Heteroarylalkyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists

ABSTRACT

The invention provides heteroarylene substituted 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein R 1 , R 2 , A, and m are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo.60/966,317, filed on Aug. 27, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds whichare useful as mu opioid receptor antagonists. The invention is alsodirected to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds,methods of using such compounds for treating or ameliorating medicalconditions mediated by mu opioid receptor activity, and processes andintermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

2. State of the Art

It is now generally understood that endogenous opioids play a complexrole in gastrointestinal physiology. Opioid receptors are expressedthroughout the body, both in the central nervous system and inperipheral regions including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Compounds which function as agonists at opioid receptors, of whichmorphine is a prototypical example, are the mainstays of analgesictherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, useof opioid analgesics is often associated with adverse effects on the GItract, collectively termed opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD). OBDincludes symptoms such as constipation, decreased gastric emptying,abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, nausea, and gastroesophagealreflux. Both central and peripheral opioid receptors are likely involvedin the slowdown of gastrointestinal transit after opioid use. However,evidence suggests that peripheral opioid receptors in the GI tract areprimarily responsible for the adverse effects of opioids on GI function.

Since the side effects of opioids are predominantly mediated byperipheral receptors, whereas the analgesia is central in origin, aperipherally selective antagonist can potentially block undesirableGI-related side effects without interfering with the beneficial centraleffects of analgesia or precipitating central nervous system withdrawalsymptoms.

Of the three major opioid receptor subtypes, denoted mu, delta, andkappa, most clinically-used opioid analgesics are thought to act via muopioid receptor activation to exert analgesia and to alter GI motility.Accordingly, peripherally selective mu opioid antagonists are expectedto be useful for treating opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. Preferredagents will demonstrate significant binding to mu opioid receptors invitro and be active in vivo in GI animal models.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a disorder of reduced motility of the GItract that occurs after abdominal or other surgery. The symptoms of POIare similar to those of OBD. Furthermore, since surgical patients areoften treated during and after surgery with opioid analgesics, theduration of POI may be compounded by the reduced GI motility associatedwith opioid use. Mu opioid antagonists useful for treating OBD aretherefore also expected to be beneficial in the treatment of POI.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides novel compounds that possess mu opioid receptorantagonist activity.

Accordingly, the invention provides a compound of formula (I):

wherein:

A is a five-membered heteroarylene ring containing one, two, three, orfour heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, wherein notmore than one of the heteroatoms is oxygen or sulfur;

R¹ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two R³, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a) or —NR^(b)R^(c), andphenyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a),—NR^(b)R^(c), or C₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl is optionally substitutedwith —OR^(a);

R² is hydrogen or phenyl;

R³ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(d)R^(e), —OR^(f), —CN,C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl, wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl isoptionally substituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a), and phenylis optionally substituted with one or two halo or with —CN;

R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(d) are each independently hydrogen orC₁₋₃alkyl;

R^(e) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionally substituted withC₃₋₆cycloalkyl, —OR^(a), phenyl, pyridyl, or 4-phenylpiperazinyl; or

R^(d) and R^(e) taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they areattached form piperidinyl;

R^(f) is hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, or phenyl;

R^(g) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionally substituted with phenyl; and

m is 0, 1, or 2;

provided that when m is 0, R² is H;

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of the invention and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.

The invention also provides a method of treating a disease or conditionameliorated by treatment with a mu opioid receptor antagonist, e.g. adisorder of reduced motility of the gastrointestinal tract such asopioid-induced bowel dysfunction and post-operative ileus, the methodcomprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound or of a pharmaceutical composition of theinvention.

The compounds of the invention can also be used as research tools, i.e.to study biological systems or samples, or for studying the activity ofother chemical compounds. Accordingly, in another of its method aspects,the invention provides a method of using a compound of formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as a research tool forstudying a biological system or sample or for discovering new compoundshaving mu opioid receptor activity, the method comprising contacting abiological system or sample with a compound of the invention anddetermining the effects caused by the compound on the biological systemor sample.

In separate and distinct aspects, the invention also provides syntheticprocesses and intermediates described herein, which are useful forpreparing compounds of the invention.

The invention also provides a compound of the invention as describedherein for use in medical therapy, as well as the use of a compound ofthe invention in the manufacture of a formulation or medicament fortreating a disease or condition ameliorated by treatment with a muopioid receptor antagonist, e.g. a disorder of reduced motility of thegastrointestinal tract, in a mammal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane mu opioid receptorantagonists of formula (I), or pharmaceutically-acceptable saltsthereof. The following substituents and values are intended to providerepresentative examples of various aspects of this invention. Theserepresentative values are intended to further define such aspects andare not intended to exclude other values or limit the scope of theinvention.

In a specific aspect, R¹ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(b)R^(c),C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkylis optionally substituted with one or two R³, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl isoptionally substituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a) or—NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two haloor with —OR^(a), —NR^(b)R^(c), or C₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl isoptionally substituted with —OR^(a).

In another specific aspect, R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl,C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substitutedwith one or two R³, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one ortwo halo or with —OR^(a) or —NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a), —NR^(b)R^(c), orC₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl is optionally substituted with —OR^(a).

In other specific aspects, R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl isoptionally substituted with one R³, or R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl.

In yet another specific aspect, R¹ is cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl,wherein cyclohexyl and phenyl are each optionally substituted with oneor two fluoro, or with —OH or —NH₂. Representative R¹ groups within thisaspect include, but are not limited to cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl,4,4-difluorocyclohexyl, 4-fluorocyclohexyl, 2,4-difluorophenyl, and thelike.

In yet another aspect, R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted withone R³, and cyclohexyl and phenyl are each optionally substituted withone or two fluoro.

In yet another aspect, R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, and phenyl, wherein cyclohexyl and phenyl are eachoptionally substituted with one or two fluoro.

In a still further specific aspect, R¹ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a),—C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), and C₁₋₃alkyl substituted with one R³.

In a specific aspect, A is a five-membered heteroarylene ring containingone, two, three, or four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen andsulfur, wherein not more than one of the heteroatoms is oxygen orsulfur.

In another specific aspect, A is selected from triazolenyl,imidazolenyl, oxadiazolenyl, tetrazolenyl, pyrrolenyl, furanenyl, andthiofuranenyl.

In a specific aspect, A is selected from triazolenyl, imidazolenyl, andoxadiazolenyl. In another specific aspect, A is triazolenyl.

In a specific aspect, R¹-A- is selected from a moiety of formula (a),(b), (c), (d) and (e):

In another specific aspect, R¹-A- is a moiety of formula (a) or (b).

In a specific aspect, R² is hydrogen or phenyl. In other specificaspects, R² is hydrogen; or R² is phenyl.

In a specific aspect, R³ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(d)R^(e),—OR^(f), —NR^(b)R^(g), —CN, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl,wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo orwith —OR^(a), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two haloor with —CN;

In a specific aspect, R³ is selected from —OR^(f), C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, andphenyl, wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one or twohalo or with —OR^(a), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one ortwo halo.

In another specific aspect, R³ is selected from cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,and phenyl, wherein cyclohexyl and phenyl are each optionallysubstituted with one or two fluoro. Representative R³ groups within thisaspect include, but are not limited to cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl,4,4-difluorocyclohexyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl, and the like.

In a specific aspect, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(d) are eachindependently hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl.

In another specific aspect, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(d) are eachindependently hydrogen or methyl.

In another specific aspect, R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(d) are eachhydrogen.

In a specific aspect, R^(e) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionallysubstituted with C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, —OR^(a), phenyl, pyridyl, or4-phenylpiperazinyl; or

R^(d) and R^(e) taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they areattached form piperidinyl.

In another specific aspect, R^(e) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionallysubstituted with phenyl or pyridyl.

In a specific aspect, R^(f) is hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, or phenyl.

In another specific aspect, R^(f) is hydrogen.

In a specific aspect, R^(g) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionallysubstituted with phenyl.

In another specific aspect, R^(g) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl.

In a specific aspect, m is 0, 1, or 2.

In separate aspects, m is 0; or m is 1; or m is 2.

In a specific aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula (I)wherein:

R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, and phenyl, whereinC₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted with one or two R³, C₃₋₆cycloalkylis optionally substituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a) or—NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two haloor with —OR^(a), —NR^(b)R^(c), or C₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl isoptionally substituted with —OR^(a);

A is selected from triazolenyl, imidazolenyl, and oxadiazolenyl;

R² is hydrogen or phenyl;

R³ is selected from —OR^(f), C₃₋₆cycloalkyl,and phenyl, whereinC₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo or with—OR^(a), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo;

R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are each independently hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl;

R^(f) is hydrogen; and

m is 0, 1, or 2;

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

In another specific aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula(I) wherein:

R¹-A- is a moiety of formula (b);

R¹ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), and C₁₋₃alkylsubstituted with one R³;

R² is phenyl;

R³is selected from —OR^(f) and —NR^(b)R^(g);

R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(g) are each independently hydrogen orC₁₋₃alkyl;

R^(f) is hydrogen; and

m is 2;

or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula(Ia):

or a compound of formula (Ib):

wherein R¹ takes any of the values defined above.

The invention further provides the compounds of Examples 1-72 herein.

The chemical naming convention used herein is illustrated for thecompound of Example 1:

which is3-endo-[8-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide.Alternatively, using the IUPAC conventions as implemented in AutoNomsoftware, (MDL Information Systems, GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany), thecompound is denoted3-[(1R,3R,5S)-8-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide.The names used herein therefore correspond to the IUPAC notation withthe endo orientation of the substituted phenyl group with respect to the8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane group indicated explicitly. All of thecompounds of the invention are in the endo orientation. For convenience,as used herein, the term “8-azabicyclooctane” means8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane.

In addition to the endo stereochemistry with respect to the bicyclogroup, the compounds of the invention may contain a chiral center in thesubstituent R¹ and at the carbon atom in formula (I) bearing thesubstituent R². Accordingly, the invention includes racemic mixtures,pure stereoisomers, and stereoisomer-enriched mixtures of such isomers,unless otherwise indicated. When the stereochemistry of a compound isspecified, including both the orientation with respect to the8-azabicyclooctane group and the chirality in a substituent R¹ or in thecarbon atom bearing the substituent R², it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art, that minor amounts of other stereoisomers may bepresent in the compositions of the invention unless otherwise indicated,provided that any utility of the composition as a whole is noteliminated by the presence of such other isomers.

Definitions

When describing the compounds, compositions and methods of theinvention, the following terms have the following meanings, unlessotherwise indicated.

The term “alkyl” means a monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group whichmay be linear or branched or combinations thereof. Unless otherwisedefined, such alkyl groups typically contain from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.Representative alkyl groups include, by way of example, methyl, ethyl,n-propyl (n-Pr), isopropyl (i-Pr), n-butyl (n-Bu), sec-butyl, isobutyl,tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 2-methylbutyl,3-methylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpentyl, 2-propylpentyl, and thelike.

The term “alkenyl” means a monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon groupcontaining at least one carbon-carbon double bond, typically 1 or 2carbon-carbon double bonds, and which may be linear or branched orcombinations thereof. Unless otherwise defined, such alkenyl groupstypically contain from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative alkenylgroups include, by way of example, vinyl, allyl, isopropenyl,but-2-enyl, n-pent-2-enyl, n-hex-2-enyl, n-hept-2-enyl, n-oct-2-enyl,n-non-2-enyl, n-dec-4-enyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkyl” means a monovalent saturated or partiallysaturated carbocyclic group which may be monocyclic or multicyclic.Unless otherwise defined, such cycloalkyl groups typically contain from3 to 12 carbon atoms. Representative cycloalkyl groups include, by wayof example, cyclopropyl (c-propyl), cyclobutyl (c-butyl), cyclopentyl(c-pentyl), cyclohexyl (c-hexyl), cycloheptyl (c-heptyl), cyclooctyl(c-octyl), adamantyl, cyclohexenyl, and the like.

The term “heteroarylene” means a divalent aromatic cyclic group thatcontains at least one heteroatom, including one, two, three, or fourheteroatoms, selected from N, O and S. For convenience, individualdivalent heteroarylene rings may also be identified herein by the nameof the corresponding isolated ring. For example, as used herein, theterm “tetrazole” encompasses the isolated ring, a monovalent tetrazolyland a divalent tetrazolenyl, where the valency of the ring is dictatedby the structure of the species of which it is a part.

The term “halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

The term “compound” means a compound that was synthetically prepared orprepared in any other way, such as by in vivo metabolism.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount sufficientto effect treatment when administered to a patient in need of treatment.

The term “treatment” as used herein means the treatment of a disease,disorder, or medical condition in a patient, such as a mammal(particularly a human) which includes:

-   -   (a) preventing the disease, disorder, or medical condition from        occurring, i.e., prophylactic treatment of a patient;    -   (b) ameliorating the disease, disorder, or medical condition,        i.e., eliminating or causing regression of the disease,        disorder, or medical condition in a patient, including        counteracting the effects of other therapeutic agents;    -   (c) suppressing the disease, disorder, or medical condition,        i.e., slowing or arresting the development of the disease,        disorder, or medical condition in a patient; or    -   (d) alleviating the symptoms of the disease, disorder, or        medical condition in a patient.

The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable salt” means a salt prepared froman acid or base which is acceptable for administration to a patient,such as a mammal. Such salts can be derived frompharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic or organic acids and frompharmaceutically-acceptable bases. Typically,pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of compounds of the present inventionare prepared from acids.

Salts derived from pharmaceutically-acceptable acids include, but arenot limited to, acetic, adipic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic,camphorsulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glutamic,glycolic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic,methanesulfonic, mucic, nitric, oxalic, pantothenic, phosphoric,succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic, xinafoic(1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid), naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid and thelike.

The term “amino-protecting group” means a protecting group suitable forpreventing undesired reactions at an amino nitrogen. Representativeamino-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, formyl; acylgroups, for example alkanoyl groups, such as acetyl and trifluoroacetyl;alkoxycarbonyl groups, such as tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc);arylmethoxycarbonyl groups, such as benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz) and9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc); arylmethyl groups, such as benzyl(Bn), trityl (Tr), and 1,1-di-(4′-methoxyphenyl)methyl; silyl groups,such as trimethylsilyl (TMS) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS); andthe like.

General Synthetic Procedures

Compounds of the invention can be prepared from readily availablestarting materials using the following general methods and procedures.Although a particular aspect of the present invention is illustrated inthe schemes below, those skilled in the art will recognize that allaspects of the present invention can be prepared using the methodsdescribed herein or by using other methods, reagents and startingmaterials known to those skilled in the art. It will also be appreciatedthat where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reactiontemperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures,etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unlessotherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with theparticular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can bedetermined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art,conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certainfunctional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of asuitable protecting group for a particular functional group, as well assuitable conditions for protection and deprotection, are well known inthe art. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introductionand removal, are described in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts, ProtectingGroups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, Wiley, New York, 1999, andreferences cited therein.

In one general method of synthesis, compounds of formula (I) areprepared as illustrated in Scheme A. (The substituents and variablesshown in the following schemes have the definitions provided aboveunless otherwise indicated).

In this reaction, an intermediate of formula (III), is reductivelyN-alkylated by reaction with an aldehyde of formula (IV) to provide theproduct (I). The reaction is typically conducted by contactingintermediate (III) with between about 1 and about 2 equivalents ofaldehyde (IV) in a suitable inert diluent, such as dichloromethane, inthe presence of between about 0.9 and about 2 equivalents of a reducingagent. The reaction is typically conducted at a temperature in the rangeof about 0° C. to ambient temperature for about a half hour to about 3hours or until the reaction is substantially complete. Typical reducingagents include sodium triacetoxyborohydride, sodium borohydride, andsodium cyanoborohydride. The product (I) is isolated by conventionalmeans.

Alternatively, compounds of formula (I), where A is bonded to R¹ via anitrogen atom on A, can be prepared by a two step process, in which analdehyde of the formula (V) is coupled to intermediate (III) asdescribed above to provide an intermediate (VI):

where A′ represents A or a protected form of A. When a protected form ofA is used, the intermediate so formed is subsequently deprotectedconventionally to provide intermediate (VI). For example, when Arepresents an imidazole ring, an intermediate (V) in which A′ representsan N-benzyl imidazolyl may be used in the reaction of Scheme B.Intermediate (VI) is then reacted with a reagent of formula R¹—X, whereX is a leaving group, preferably a sulfonate leaving group, to providethe product (I). For example, when X is methane sulfonate (commonlymesylate), intermediate (VI) is typically contacted with between about 1and about 3 equivalents of R¹—X in the presence of between about 1 andabout 3 equivalents of base. The reaction is typically conducted at atemperature in the range of about 80 to about 100° C. for between about24 and about 80 hours or until the reaction is substantially complete.

Additional processes for preparing compounds of formula (Ia) or (Ib)where A is a triazole ring bonded as shown are illustrated in Scheme C:

in which the heteroarylene ring is formed by the reaction of an azidewith an alkyne. The copper (I) catalyzed so-called “click” reaction hasbeen found to be an efficient process for the formation of theheteroarylene ring, although the reaction of an azide with an alkyne canbe promoted by heating, without use of a catalyst, as known to thoseskilled in the art. The click reaction to prepare a compound of formula(Ia) is typically conducted by contacting intermediate (VII) withbetween about 1 and about 1.2 equivalents of the azide R¹—N₃ in an inertdiluent, typically a mixture of water and an alcohol partially misciblewith water, in the presence of a catalytic amount of a mixture ofcopper(II), for example, copper(II)sulfate and a reducing agent, forexample, sodium ascorbate, which produces copper(I) in situ. Thereaction is typically conducted at ambient temperature for between about10 and about 24 hours or until the reaction is substantially complete.Similarly, to prepare compounds of formula (Ib) in which m is 1 or 2,azide intermediate (VIII) is reacted with alkyne intermediate R¹C≡CH toprepare a compound of formula (Ib) as shown in route (ii).

Compounds of formula (I) in which A is a tetrazole may be prepared byreactions similar to those of Scheme C above in which, in route (ii),R¹C≡CH is replaced by the corresponding nitrile R¹C≡N, and in route (i),the terminal alkyne of intermediate (VII) is replaced by an analogousintermediate with a terminal nitrile.

A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (Ic) where A is anoxadiazole is illustrated in Scheme D:

where L represents a halo leaving group, typically chloro. In thereaction of Scheme D, to form the oxadiazole ring, a carbamimidointermediate (IX) is contacted with between about 1 and about 1.2equivalents of, for example, an acid chloride R¹C(O)Cl in an inertdiluent in the presence of between about 3 and about 5 equivalents ofbase, for example N,N-diisopropylethyl amine. The reaction is typicallyconducted at a temperature in the range of about 80 to about 100° C. forbetween about 2 and about 10 hours or until the reaction issubstantially complete.

As described in the examples below, in certain instances it isconvenient to prepare compounds of formula (I) using a precursor,including a protected form, of the variable R¹ in place of R¹ in theabove schemes, followed by a final step in which the precursor istransformed or deprotected in one or more steps to R¹.

The intermediates utilized in Schemes A through D above can be preparedfrom readily available starting materials. In particular, the8-azabicyclooctane benzamide intermediate (III) can be prepared asillustrated in Scheme E:

where Bn denotes the amino-protecting group benzyl, —OTf representstrifluoromethane sulfonate (commonly triflate) and P² represents anamino-protecting group, such as Boc or trifluoroacetyl. Protected8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanone 1 is typically obtained from commercialsources and it can be prepared by the reaction of2,5-dimethoxy-tetrahydrofuran with benzylamine and1,3-acetonedicarboxylic acid in an acidic aqueous solution in thepresence of a buffering agent as described in US 2005/0228014. (Seealso, U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,673).

First, intermediate 1 is added to a solution of between about 1 andabout 2 equivalents of the Grignard reagent 3-methoxyphenyl magnesiumbromide in an inert diluent. The reaction is typically conducted at atemperature of between about 0° C. and about 10° C. for between about 1and about 3 hours or until the reaction is substantially complete.Transmetalation of the Grignard reagent from magnesium to cerium byreaction with an equivalent amount of cerous chloride prior to use isadvantageous for obtaining a good yield of intermediate 2. The hydroxysubstituent is eliminated from intermediate 2 by treatment with aqueous6N HCl to provide the hydrochloride salt of intermediate 3. Thisreaction is typically conducted at a temperature of between about 50° C.and about 100° C. for between about 1 and about 3 hours or until thereaction is substantially complete.

Hydrogenation of intermediate 3 saturates the double bond of the alkenemoiety and removes the benzyl protecting group to provide intermediate4. Crystallization of intermediate 4 as the hydrochloride salt provides4 with high stereospecificity for the endo configuration. As describedin Preparation 1(c) below, the exo impurity was undetected by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis in the HCl salt of 4.Typically, the reaction is conducted by exposing the HCl salt of 3dissolved in ethanol to a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of atransition metal catalyst. The methyl group is removed from intermediate4 by contacting a cooled solution of intermediate 4 in an inert diluentwith between about 1 and about 2 equivalents of boron tribromide,hydrogen bromide, or boron trichloride. The reaction is typicallyconducted at a temperature of between about −80° C. and about 0° C. forbetween about 12 and about 36 hours or until the reaction issubstantially complete. Intermediate 5 can be isolated by conventionalprocedures as a free base or as a hydrobromide salt. Crystallization ofthe hydrobromide salt provides intermediate 5 with highstereospecificity in the endo configuration.

When Boc is used as the protecting group, the phenol intermediate 5 istypically reacted with about 1 equivalent of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate(commonly Boc₂O) to provide the Boc-protected intermediate 6. Thereactants are typically cooled to about 0° C. and then allowed to warmto ambient temperature over a period of between about 12 and about 24hours. When trifluoroacetyl is used as the protecting group, typically 5is reacted with about 2 equivalents of trifluoroacetyl anhydride to formthe protected intermediate 6. Next, intermediate 6 in an inert diluentis contacted with a slight excess, for example about 1.1 equivalents oftrifluoromethane sulfonyl chloride in the presence of between about 1and about 2 equivalents of base to provide intermediate 7 which can beisolated by conventional procedures. Reaction of 7 with zinc cyanide inthe presence of a transition metal catalyst, provides intermediate 8.This reaction is typically conducted at a temperature between about 60°C. and 120° C. under an inert atmosphere for about 2 to about 12 hoursor until the reaction is substantially complete.

Finally, the nitrile intermediate 8 is hydrolyzed and deprotected toprovide the carboxamide intermediate (III). Typically, in this reaction,when P² is Boc, intermediate 8 in an acidic solvent, for exampletrifluoroacetic acid, is contacted with between about 4 and about 6equivalents of concentrated sulfuric acid. Typically the reaction isconducted in the temperature range of between about 50° C. and about 80°C. for about 8 to about 24 hours or until the reaction is substantiallycomplete. The product is typically isolated in freebase form. When atrifluoroacetyl protecting group is used, the nitrile intermediate isfirst hydrolyzed to the carboxamide in concentrated sulfuric acid asdescribed above. Quenching of the hydrolysis reaction by addition ofbase also removes the protecting group. The product is isolated as thefreebase or as the hydrochloric acid salt.

The terminal alkyne intermediate (VII) of Scheme C is typically preparedby the conventional reaction of a reagent of the formHC≡CCH(R²)(CH₂)_(m)X, where X is a halo or sulfonate leaving group, withthe 8-azabicyclooctane benzamide intermediate (III). For example, when Xis halo, the reaction is typically conducted by contacting intermediate(III) with between about 1 and about 2 equivalents of alkyl halideHC≡CCH(R²)(CH₂)_(m)L in an inert diluent, such as ethanol,dimethylsulfoxide, or the like. The reaction is typically conducted at atemperature in the range of about 25° C. to about 80° C. for about ahalf hour to about 24 hours or until the reaction is substantiallycomplete.

The azide reagents R¹—N₃ are conveniently prepared by the reaction of anintermediate R¹—X, where X is a leaving group such as a halo or asulfonate leaving group, in particular toluene sulfonate (tosylate),with sodium azide. In general, the reaction is conducted by contacting areagent R¹—X with between about 1 and about 2 equivalents of sodiumazide in an inert diluent. The reaction is typically conducted at atemperature in the range of about 25° C. to about 90° C. for about oneand a half hours to about 24 hours or until the reaction issubstantially complete. Examples of the preparation of diverse azidereagents are provided below, including use of alternatives to sodiumazide in the preparation of the reagents R¹—N₃.

The azide terminated intermediate (VIII) of Scheme C (ii) can beconveniently prepared by analogous reactions with sodium azide undersimilar reaction conditions. For example, an intermediate of formula(VIIIa) where m is 1 can be prepared by reaction of sodium azide with anintermediate of formula (X):

where X is a leaving group. For another example, an intermediate offormula (VIIIb) where m is 2 and R² is hydrogen may be obtained byreaction of sodium azide with an azetidine intermediate of formula (XI):

Intermediates (X) and (XI) are typically prepared from the correspondingalcohols by reaction, for example, with methanesulfonyl chloride in thepresence of an excess of base, such as N,N-diisopropylethylamine, asdescribed in the examples below. The alcohol precursors to (X) and (XI)may be obtained by conventional alkyl halide coupling to the8-azabicyclooctane benzamide intermediate (III).

Finally, intermediate (IX) of Scheme D may be prepared by reaction ofintermediate (III) with a nitrile of the form N≡CCH(R²)(CH₂)_(m)L, whereL is a halo leaving group, followed by reaction with hydroxylamine.

Further details regarding specific reaction conditions and otherprocedures for preparing representative compounds of the invention orintermediates thereto are described in the examples below.

Accordingly, in a method aspect, the invention provides a process forpreparing a compound of formula (I), or a salt or protected derivativethereof, the process comprising (a) reacting a compound of formula (III)with a compound of formula (IV), or (b) (i) reacting a compound offormula (III) with a compound of formula (V) to provide a compound offormula (VI), and (ii) reacting a compound of formula (VI) with R¹—X toprovide a compound of formula (I), or a salt or protected derivativethereof.

In addition, the invention provides a process for preparing a compoundof formula (Ia), or a salt or protected derivative thereof, the processcomprising reacting a compound of formula (VII) with R¹—N₃ to provide acompound of formula (Ia), or a salt or protected derivative thereof; anda process for preparing a compound of formula (Ib), or a salt orprotected derivative thereof, the process comprising reacting a compoundof formula (VIII) wherein m is 1 or 2 with R¹C≡CH to provide a compoundof formula (Ib), or a salt or protected derivative thereof.

In an additional aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula(VI), (VII), (VIII), and (IX), wherein the variables A, R² and m takeany of the values described in aspects of the invention disclosed above.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The 8-azabicyclooctane compounds of the invention are typicallyadministered to a patient in the form of a pharmaceutical composition orformulation. Such pharmaceutical compositions may be administered to thepatient by any acceptable route of administration including, but notlimited to, oral, rectal, vaginal, nasal, inhaled, topical (includingtransdermal) and parenteral modes of administration.

Accordingly, in one of its compositions aspects, the invention isdirected to a pharmaceutical composition comprising apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient and a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. Optionally, such pharmaceutical compositionsmay contain other therapeutic and/or formulating agents if desired. Whendiscussing compositions, the “compound of the invention” may also bereferred to herein as the “active agent”. As used herein, the term“compound of the invention” is intended to include compounds of formula(I) as well as the species embodied in formulas (Ia), (Ib), and (Ic).“Compound of the invention” includes, in addition,pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and solvates of the compound unlessotherwise indicated.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention typically contain atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of the present inventionor a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. Typically, suchpharmaceutical compositions will contain from about 0.1 to about 95% byweight of the active agent; preferably, from about 5 to about 70% byweight; and more preferably from about 10 to about 60% by weight of theactive agent.

Any conventional carrier or excipient may be used in the pharmaceuticalcompositions of the invention. The choice of a particular carrier orexcipient, or combinations of carriers or excipients, will depend on themode of administration being used to treat a particular patient or typeof medical condition or disease state. In this regard, the preparationof a suitable pharmaceutical composition for a particular mode ofadministration is well within the scope of those skilled in thepharmaceutical arts. Additionally, the carriers or excipients used inthe pharmaceutical compositions of this invention arecommercially-available. By way of further illustration, conventionalformulation techniques are described in Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 20^(th) Edition, Lippincott Williams & White,Baltimore, Md. (2000); and H. C. Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical DosageForms and Drug Delivery Systems, 7^(th) Edition, Lippincott Williams &White, Baltimore, Md. (1999).

Representative examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, the following:sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as cornstarch and potato starch; cellulose, such as microcrystalline cellulose,and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin;talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils, suchas peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil,corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols,such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters,such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such asmagnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-freewater; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; phosphatebuffer solutions; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed inpharmaceutical compositions.

Pharmaceutical compositions are typically prepared by thoroughly andintimately mixing or blending the active agent with apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and one or more optionalingredients. The resulting uniformly blended mixture can then be shapedor loaded into tablets, capsules, pills and the like using conventionalprocedures and equipment.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are preferably packagedin a unit dosage form. The term “unit dosage form” refers to aphysically discrete unit suitable for dosing a patient, i.e., each unitcontaining a predetermined quantity of active agent calculated toproduce the desired therapeutic effect either alone or in combinationwith one or more additional units. For example, such unit dosage formsmay be capsules, tablets, pills, and the like, or unit packages suitablefor parenteral administration.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention aresuitable for oral administration. Suitable pharmaceutical compositionsfor oral administration may be in the form of capsules, tablets, pills,lozenges, cachets, dragees, powders, granules; or as a solution or asuspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water orwater-in-oil liquid emulsion; or as an elixir or syrup; and the like;each containing a predetermined amount of a compound of the presentinvention as an active ingredient.

When intended for oral administration in a solid dosage form (i.e., ascapsules, tablets, pills and the like), the pharmaceutical compositionsof the invention will typically comprise the active agent and one ormore pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, such as sodium citrate ordicalcium phosphate. Optionally or alternatively, such solid dosageforms may also comprise: fillers or extenders, such as starches,microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and/orsilicic acid; binders, such as carboxymethylcellulose, alginates,gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sucrose and/or acacia; humectants, suchas glycerol; disintegrating agents, such as agar-agar, calciumcarbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates,and/or sodium carbonate; solution retarding agents, such as paraffin;absorption accelerators, such as quaternary ammonium compounds; wettingagents, such as cetyl alcohol and/or glycerol monostearate; absorbents,such as kaolin and/or bentonite clay; lubricants, such as talc, calciumstearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium laurylsulfate, and/or mixtures thereof; coloring agents; and buffering agents.

Release agents, wetting agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoringand perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be presentin the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Examples ofpharmaceutically-acceptable antioxidants include: water-solubleantioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, cysteine hydrochloride, sodiumbisulfate, sodium metabisulfate, sodium sulfite and the like;oil-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbyl palmitate, butylatedhydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, lecithin, propyl gallate,alpha-tocopherol, and the like; and metal-chelating agents, such ascitric acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, sorbitol, tartaric acid,phosphoric acid, and the like. Coating agents for tablets, capsules,pills and like, include those used for enteric coatings, such ascellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid-methacrylic acid estercopolymers, cellulose acetate trimellitate, carboxymethyl ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate, and thelike.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be formulated toprovide slow or controlled release of the active agent using, by way ofexample, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose in varying proportions; or otherpolymer matrices, liposomes and/or microspheres. In addition, thepharmaceutical compositions of the invention may optionally containopacifying agents and may be formulated so that they release the activeingredient only, or preferentially, in a certain portion of thegastrointestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples ofembedding compositions which can be used include polymeric substancesand waxes. The active agent can also be in micro-encapsulated form, ifappropriate, with one or more of the above-described excipients.

Suitable liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, by way ofillustration, pharmaceutically-acceptable emulsions, microemulsions,solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. Liquid dosage formstypically comprise the active agent and an inert diluent, such as, forexample, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers,such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethylacetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol, oils (esp., cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor andsesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycolsand fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Suspensions, inaddition to the active ingredient, may contain suspending agents suchas, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylenesorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminummetahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, and mixturesthereof.

The compounds of this invention can also be administered parenterally(e.g. by intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular or intraperitonealinjection). For parenteral administration, the active agent is typicallyadmixed with a suitable vehicle for parenteral administration including,by way of example, sterile aqueous solutions, saline, low molecularweight alcohols such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetableoils, gelatin, fatty acid esters such as ethyl oleate, and the like.Parenteral formulations may also contain one or more anti-oxidants,solubilizers, stabilizers, preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifiers,buffering agents, or dispersing agents. These formulations may berendered sterile by use of a sterile injectable medium, a sterilizingagent, filtration, irradiation, or heat.

Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention areformulated for administration by inhalation. Suitable pharmaceuticalcompositions for administration by inhalation will typically be in theform of an aerosol or a powder. Such compositions are generallyadministered using well-known delivery devices, such as a metered-doseinhaler, a dry powder inhaler, a nebulizer or a similar delivery device.

When administered by inhalation using a pressurized container, thepharmaceutical compositions of the invention will typically comprise theactive ingredient and a suitable propellant, such asdichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas.Additionally, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of acapsule or cartridge (made, for example, from gelatin) comprising acompound of the invention and a powder suitable for use in a powderinhaler. Suitable powder bases include, by way of example, lactose orstarch.

The compounds of the invention can also be administered transdermallyusing known transdermal delivery systems and excipients. For example,the active agent can be admixed with permeation enhancers, such aspropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol monolaurate, azacycloalkan-2-onesand the like, and incorporated into a patch or similar delivery system.Additional excipients including gelling agents, emulsifiers and buffers,may be used in such transdermal compositions if desired.

If desired, the compounds of this invention may be administered incombination with one or more other therapeutic agents. In thisembodiment, a compound of this invention is either physically mixed withthe other therapeutic agent to form a composition containing bothagents; or each agent is present in separate and distinct compositionswhich are administered to the patient simultaneously or sequentially.

For example, a compound of formula I can be combined with secondtherapeutic agent using conventional procedures and equipment to form acomposition comprising a compound of formula I and a second therapeuticagent. Additionally, the therapeutic agents may be combined with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formula I, a second therapeutic agent and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In this embodiment, the componentsof the composition are typically mixed or blended to create a physicalmixture. The physical mixture is then administered in a therapeuticallyeffective amount using any of the routes described herein.Alternatively, the therapeutic agents may remain separate and distinctbefore administration to the patient. In this embodiment, the agents arenot physically mixed together before administration but are administeredsimultaneously or at separate times as separate compositions. Suchcompositions can be packaged separately or may be packaged together as akit. The two therapeutic agents in the kit may be administered by thesame route of administration or by different routes of administration.

Any therapeutic agent compatible with the compounds of the presentinvention may be used as the second therapeutic agent. In particular,prokinetic agents acting via mechanisms other than mu opioid receptorantagonism may be used in combination with the present compounds. Forexample, 5-HT₄ receptor agonists, such as tegaserod, renzapride,mosapride, prucalopride, 1-isopropyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid{(1S,3R,5R)-8-[2-(4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}amide,1-isopropyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid{(1S,3R,5R)-8-[(R)-2-hydroxy-3-(methanesulfonyl-methyl-amino)propyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}amide,and4-(4-{[(2-isopropyl-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carbonyl)amino]methyl}-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)piperidine-1-carboxylicacid methyl ester and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof may beused as the second therapeutic agent.

Additional useful prokinetic agents and other agents forgastrointestinal disorders include, but are not limited to, 5-HT₃receptor agonists (e.g. pumosetrag), 5-HT_(1A) receptor antagonists(e.g. AGI 001), alpha-2-delta ligands (e.g. PD-217014), chloride channelopeners (e.g. lubiprostone), dopamine antagonists (e.g. itopride,metaclopramide, domperidone), GABA-B agonists (e.g. baclofen, AGI 006),kappa opioid agonists (e.g. asimadoline), muscarinic M₁ and M₂antagonists (e.g. acotiamide), motilin agonists (e.g. mitemcinal),guanylate cyclase activators (e.g. MD-1100) and ghrelin agonists (e.g.Tzp 101, RC 1139).

In addition, the compounds of the invention can be combined with opioidtherapeutic agents. Such opioid agents include, but are not limited to,morphine, pethidine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycontin, oxycodone,hydrocodone, sufentanil, fentanyl, remifentanil, buprenorphine,methadone, and heroin.

Numerous additional examples of such therapeutic agents are known in theart and any such known therapeutic agents may be employed in combinationwith the compounds of this invention. Secondary agent(s), when included,are present in a therapeutically effective amount, i.e. in any amountthat produces a therapeutically beneficial effect when co-administeredwith a compound of the invention. Suitable doses for the othertherapeutic agents administered in combination with a compound of theinvention are typically in the range of about 0.05 μg/day to about 100mg/day.

Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention optionallyinclude a second therapeutic agent as described above.

The following examples illustrate representative pharmaceuticalcompositions of the present invention:

FORMULATION EXAMPLE A Hard Gelatin Capsules for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (50 g), spray-dried lactose (200 g) andmagnesium stearate (10 g) are thoroughly blended. The resultingcomposition is loaded into a hard gelatin capsule (260 mg of compositionper capsule).

FORMULATION EXAMPLE B Hard Gelatin Capsules for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (20 mg), starch (89 mg), microcrystallinecellulose (89 mg), and magnesium stearate (2 mg) are thoroughly blendedand then passed through a No. 45 mesh U.S. sieve. The resultingcomposition is loaded into a hard gelatin capsule (200 mg of compositionper capsule).

FORMULATION EXAMPLE C Gelatin Capsules for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (10 mg), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate(50 mg), and starch powder (250 mg) are thoroughly blended and thenloaded into a gelatin capsule (310 mg of composition per capsule).

FORMULATION EXAMPLE D Tablets for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (5 mg), starch (50 mg), andmicroscrystalline cellulose (35 mg) are passed through a No. 45 meshU.S. sieve and mixed thoroughly. A solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (10wt % in water, 4 mg) is mixed with the resulting powders, and thismixture is then passed through a No. 14 mesh U.S. sieve. The granules soproduced are dried at 50-60° C. and passed through a No. 18 mesh U.S.sieve. Sodium carboxymethyl starch (4.5 mg), magnesium stearate (0.5 mg)and talc (1 mg), which have previously been passed through a No. 60 meshU.S. sieve, are then added to the granules. After mixing, the mixture iscompressed on a tablet machine to afford a tablet weighing 100 mg.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE E Tablets for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (25 mg), microcrystalline cellulose (400mg), fumed silicon dioxide (10 mg), and stearic acid (5 mg) arethoroughly blended and then compressed to form tablets (440 mg ofcomposition per tablet).

FORMULATION EXAMPLE F Single-scored Tablets for Oral Administration

A compound of the invention (15 mg), cornstarch (50 mg), croscarmellosesodium (25 mg), lactose (120 mg), and magnesium stearate (5 mg) arethoroughly blended and then compressed to form single-scored tablet (215mg of compositions per tablet).

FORMULATION EXAMPLE G Suspension for Oral Administration

The following ingredients are thoroughly mixed to form a suspension fororal administration containing 100 mg of active ingredient per 10 mL ofsuspension:

Ingredients Amount Compound of the invention 0.1 g Fumaric acid 0.5 gSodium chloride 2.0 g Methyl paraben 0.15 g Propyl paraben 0.05 gGranulated sugar 25.5 g Sorbitol (70% solution) 12.85 g Veegum k(Vanderbilt Co.) 1.0 g Flavoring 0.035 mL Colorings 0.5 mg Distilledwater q.s. to 100 mL

FORMULATION EXAMPLE H Dry Powder Composition

A micronized compound of the invention (1 mg) is blended with lactose(25 mg) and then loaded into a gelatin inhalation cartridge. Thecontents of the cartridge are administered using a powder inhaler.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE J Injectable Formulation

A compound of the invention (0.1 g) is blended with 0.1 M sodium citratebuffer solution (15 mL). The pH of the resulting solution is adjusted topH 6 using 1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid or 1 N aqueous sodiumhydroxide. Sterile normal saline in citrate buffer is then added toprovide a total volume of 20 mL.

It will be understood that any form of the compounds of the invention,(i.e. free base, pharmaceutical salt, or solvate) that is suitable forthe particular mode of administration, can be used in the pharmaceuticalcompositions discussed above.

Utility

The 8-azabicyclooctane compounds of the invention are antagonists at themu opioid receptor and therefore are expected to be useful for treatingmedical conditions mediated by mu opioid receptors or associated with muopioid receptor activity, i.e. medical conditions which are amelioratedby treatment with a mu opioid receptor antagonist. In particular, thecompounds of the invention are expected to be useful for treatingadverse effects associated with use of opioid analgesics, i.e. symptomssuch as constipation, decreased gastric emptying, abdominal pain,bloating, nausea, and gastroesophageal reflux, termed collectivelyopioid-induced bowel dysfunction. The mu opioid receptor antagonists ofthe invention are also expected to be useful for treating post-operativeileus, a disorder of reduced motility of the gastrointestinal tract thatoccurs after abdominal or other surgery. In addition, it has beensuggested that mu opioid receptor antagonist compounds may be used forreversing opioid-induced nausea and vomiting. Further, those mu opioidreceptor antagonists exhibiting some central penetration may be usefulin the treatment of dependency on, or addiction to, narcotic drugs,alcohol, or gambling, or in preventing, treating, and/or amelioratingobesity.

Since compounds of the invention increase motility of thegastrointestinal (GI) tract in animal models, the compounds are expectedto be useful for treating disorders of the GI tract caused by reducedmotility in mammals, including humans. Such GI motility disordersinclude, by way of illustration, chronic constipation,constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS), diabetic andidiopathic gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

In one aspect, therefore, the invention provides a method of increasingmotility of the gastrointestinal tract in a mammal, the methodcomprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and a compound of the invention.

When used to treat disorders of reduced motility of the GI tract orother conditions mediated by mu opioid receptors, the compounds of theinvention will typically be administered orally in a single daily doseor in multiple doses per day, although other forms of administration maybe used. For example, particularly when used to treat post-operativeileus, the compounds of the invention may be administered parenterally.The amount of active agent administered per dose or the total amountadministered per day will typically be determined by a physician, in thelight of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to betreated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compoundadministered and its relative activity, the age, weight, and response ofthe individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and thelike.

Suitable doses for treating disorders of reduced motility of the GItract or other disorders mediated by mu opioid receptors will range fromabout 0.0007 to about 20 mg/kg/day of active agent, including from about0.0007 to about 1.4 mg/kg/day. For an average 70 kg human, this wouldamount to from about 0.05 to about 100 mg per day of active agent.

In one aspect of the invention, the compounds of the invention are usedto treat opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. When used to treatopioid-induced bowel dysfunction, the compounds of the invention willtypically be administered orally in a single daily dose or in multipledoses per day. Preferably, the dose for treating opioid-induced boweldysfunction will range from about 0.05 to about 100 mg per day.

In another aspect of the invention, the compounds of the invention areused to treat post-operative ileus. When used to treat post-operativeileus, the compounds of the invention will typically be administeredorally or intravenously in a single daily dose or in multiple doses perday. Preferably, the dose for treating post-operative ileus will rangefrom about 0.05 to about 100 mg per day.

The invention also provides a method of treating a mammal having adisease or condition associated with mu opioid receptor activity, themethod comprising administering to the mammal a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of the invention or of a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of the invention.

As described above, compounds of the invention are mu opioid receptorantagonists. The invention further provides, therefore, a method ofantagonizing a mu opioid receptor in a mammal, the method comprisingadministering a compound of the invention to the mammal.

The mu opioid receptor antagonists of the invention are optionallyadministered in combination with another therapeutic agent or agents, inparticular, in combination with prokinetic agents acting via non-muopioid mechanisms. Accordingly, in another aspect, the methods andcompositions of the invention further comprise a therapeuticallyeffective amount of another prokinetic agent.

In addition, the compounds of the invention are also useful as researchtools for investigating or studying biological systems or samples havingmu opioid receptors, or for discovering new compounds having mu opioidreceptor activity. Any suitable biological system or sample having muopioid receptors may be employed in such studies which may be conductedeither in vitro or in vivo. Representative biological systems or samplessuitable for such studies include, but are not limited to, cells,cellular extracts, plasma membranes, tissue samples, mammals (such asmice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, pigs, etc.) and the like. Theeffects of contacting a biological system or sample comprising a muopioid receptor with a compound of the invention are determined usingconventional procedures and equipment, such as the radioligand bindingassay and functional assay described herein or other functional assaysknown in the art. Such functional assays include, but are not limitedto, ligand-mediated changes in intracellular cyclic adenosinemonophosphate (cAMP), ligand-mediated changes in activity of the enzymeadenylyl cyclase, ligand-mediated changes in incorporation of analogs ofguanosine triphosphate (GTP), such as [³⁵S]GTPγS (guanosine5′-O-(γ-thio)triphosphate) or GTP-Eu, into isolated membranes viareceptor catalyzed exchange of GTP analogs for GDP analogs, andligand-mediated changes in free intracellular calcium ions. A suitableconcentration of a compound of the invention for such studies typicallyranges from about 1 nanomolar to about 500 nanomolar.

When using compounds of the invention as research tools for discoveringnew compounds have mu opioid receptor activity, binding or functionaldata for a test compound or a group of test compounds is compared to themu opioid receptor binding or functional data for a compound of theinvention to identify test compounds that have superior binding orfunctional activity, if any. This aspect of the invention includes, asseparate embodiments, both the generation of comparison data (using theappropriate assays) and the analysis of the test data to identify testcompounds of interest.

Among other properties, compounds of the invention have been found toexhibit potent binding to mu opioid receptors and little or no agonismin mu receptor functional assays. Therefore, the compounds of theinvention are potent mu opioid receptor antagonists. Further, compoundsof the invention have demonstrated predominantly peripheral activity ascompared with central nervous system activity in animal models.Therefore, these compounds can be expected to reverse opioid-inducedreductions in GI motility without interfering with the beneficialcentral effects of analgesia. These properties, as well as the utilityof the compounds of the invention, can be demonstrated using various invitro and in vivo assays well-known to those skilled in the art.Representative assays are described in further detail in the followingexamples.

EXAMPLES

The following synthetic and biological examples are offered toillustrate the invention, and are not to be construed in any way aslimiting the scope of the invention. In the examples below, thefollowing abbreviations have the following meanings unless otherwiseindicated. Abbreviations not defined below have their generally acceptedmeanings.

-   -   AcOH=acetic acid    -   Boc=tert-butoxycarbonyl    -   (Boc)₂O=di-tert-butyl dicarbonate    -   DABCO=1,4-diazaobicylco[2,2,2]octane triethylenediamine    -   DCM=dichloromethane    -   DIPEA=N,N-diisopropylethylamine    -   DMA=dimethylacetamide    -   DMAP=dimethylaminopyridine    -   DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide    -   DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide    -   EtOAc=ethyl acetate    -   EtOH=ethanol    -   HATU=N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)uronium        hexafluorophosphate    -   MeCN=acetonitrile    -   MeOH=methanol    -   MeTHF=2-methyltetrahydrofuran    -   MTBE=tert-butyl methyl ether    -   PyBop=benzotriazol-1-yloxytripyrrolidino-phosphonium        hexafluorophosphate    -   TFA=trifluoroacetic acid    -   THF=tetrahydrofuran

Reagents (including secondary amines) and solvents were purchased fromcommercial suppliers (Aldrich, Fluka, Sigma, etc.), and used withoutfurther purification. Reactions were run under nitrogen atmosphere,unless noted otherwise. Progress of reaction mixtures was monitored bythin layer chromatography (TLC), analytical high performance liquidchromatography (anal. HPLC), and mass spectrometry, the details of whichare given below and separately in specific examples of reactions.Reaction mixtures were worked up as described specifically in eachreaction; commonly they were purified by extraction and otherpurification methods such as temperature-, and solvent-dependentcrystallization, and precipitation. In addition, reaction mixtures wereroutinely purified by preparative HPLC: a general protocol is describedbelow. Characterization of reaction products was routinely carried outby mass and ¹H-NMR spectrometry. For NMR measurement, samples weredissolved in deuterated solvent (CD₃OD, CDCl₃, or DMSO-d₆), and ¹H-NMRspectra were acquired with a Varian Gemini 2000 instrument (300 MHz)under standard observation conditions. Mass spectrometric identificationof compounds was performed by an electrospray ionization method (ESMS)with an Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.) model API 150 EXinstrument or an Agilent (Palo Alto, Calif.) model 1100 LC/MSDinstrument.

Preparation 1: 3-endo-(8-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

a. 8-Benzyl-3-exo-(3-methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-ol

To a 3 L flask was added cerous chloride powder (194 g, 0.79 mol). Theflask was flushed with nitrogen and THF (800 mL) was added. The reactionmixture was stirred at 25° C. for 1 h. To the mixture was added ˜1M3-methoxyphenyl magnesium bromide in THF (800 mL, 0.87 mol) dropwise.The resulting slurry was stirred at 3° C. for 1.5 hours. A solution of8-benzyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one (120.4 g, 0.56 mol) in THF (200mL) was then added dropwise, while maintaining the internal temperatureat −5° C. The resulting solution was stirred for 15 min. The reactionmixture was added to a flask containing 6 N HCl (800 mL) maintaining thetemperature at 10° C. After solvent was removed by rotary evaporation,the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Thesolids were isolated by filtration, washed with 6N HCL (70 mL) andacetonitrile (3×70 mL), and dried to provide the HCl salt of the titleintermediate as an off-white solid (161 g).

b. 8-Benzyl-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-ene

To a 3 L flask was added8-benzyl-3-exo-(3-methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-olhydrochloride (383.9 g, 1.06 mol), 6 M HCl (800 mL), and MeTHF (200 mL).The resulting slurry was heated at 70° C. for 2.5 h under nitrogen. Thereaction mixture was transferred to a 12 L reactor and cooled to 10° C.The reaction flask was washed with MeTHF (1 L) that was added to the 12L reactor. NaOH (50 wt % in water, 200 mL) was added and additional NaOH(50 wt %, 150 mL) was added in portions until pH ˜13 was reached. Thephases were separated, the water layer was extracted with MeTHF (1 L),and combined MeTHF layers were washed with brine (1 L). Solvent wasreduced by rotary evaporation at 30 to 40° C. yielding the titleintermediate (360 g) as a thick oil. EtOH (1.5 L) was added and thevolume was reduced to ˜500 mL and then adjusted to 1.8 L.

c. 3-endo-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

To 8-benzyl-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-ene (in EtOH95%, 400 mL, 0.20 mol), prepared in the previous step, was added 6 M HCl(45 mL) and then MeTHF (50 mL). The reaction mixture was purged withnitrogen, heated to 40° C. and palladium on carbon (10 weight %, 8 g)was added. The reactor was pressurized with hydrogen (3×20 psi) and thenhydrogenated at 20 psi at 40° C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture wasfiltered through Celite, concentrated, washed with MeTHF (2×100 mL),filtered through a coarse glass filter, washed with MeTHF (10 mL) anddried on the filter to provide the HCl salt of the title intermediate aswhite solid (31 g, single isomer, (exo isomer undetectable by HPLC)). Anadditional 5.2 g of product was recovered from the mother liquor.

d. 3-endo-(8-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-phenol

To a 500 mL flask was added3-endo-(3-methoxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane hydrochloride (115 g,0.45 mol) and hydrobromic acid (48 weight % in water, 100 mL, 0.88 mol).The mixture was heated to 120° C. and held at that temperature for 24 hwith stirring. Additional hydrobromic acid solution (25 mL) was addedand the reaction mixture was heated with stirring for 6 h and thencooled to 70° C. Acetonitrile (200 mL) was added and the resultingslurry was cooled to 10° C. and then filtered, and the filter cake waswashed with acetonitrile (50 mL) to yield the HBr salt of the titleintermediate (99 g, >99% pure) as a white granular solid.

e.2,2,2-Trifluoro-1-[3-endo-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl]ethanone

To a solution of 3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-phenolhydrobromide (54.4 g, 0.19 mol), toluene (210 mL), and triethylamine (40mL, 0.29 mol), was added trifluoroacetic anhydride (54 mL, 0.38 mol)over 20 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 2 h. Ethylacetate (370 mL) and brine in water (1:1, 265 mL) were added. Thereaction mixture was stirred for 15 min, the phases were separated. Tothe organic layer was added saturated sodium bicarbonate (300 mL) andthe mixture was stirred vigorously overnight. The phases were separatedand the organic layer was washed with brine in water (1:1, 265 mL) driedover sodium sulfate and most of the solvent was removed by rotaryevaporation. Toluene (100 mL) was added and the solvent removed byrotary evaporation to provide the crude title intermediate.

f. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid3-endo-[8-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]phenylester

To a 500 mL flask was added the ethyl acetate solution (220 mL) of theintermediate of the previous step (32.8 g, 0.11 mol) and triethylamine(23 mL. 0.17 mol). The solution was cooled to 5° C. and trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride (14 mL, 0.13 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture wasallowed to warm to 25° C. and stirred at that temperature for 1 h.Saturated sodium bicarbonate (200 mL) was added, the layers wereseparated, brine (150 mL) was added to the organic layer, the layerswere again separated, and solvent was removed from the organic layer toprovide the crude title intermediate.

g.3-endo-[8-(2,2,2-Trifluoroacetyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzonitrile

To a 100 mL flask was added trifluoromethanesulfonic acid3-endo-[8-(2,2,2-trifluoro-acetyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]phenylester (25.3 g, 58.7 mmol), tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium (0)(0.81 g, 0.9 mmol), 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene

(1.01 g, 1.8 mmol), and zinc cyanide (4.2 g, 35.8 mmol). Three times,the flask was purged with nitrogen for 5 min and then placed under housevacuum for 5 min. To the flask was added DMF (150 mL) and distilledwater (2.5 mL). The solution was purged with nitrogen with stirring for10 min, heated to 120° C. and stirred at 120° C. under nitrogen for 4 h.When the reaction was completed 20 g of product from a previous lot,prepared by the same procedure, was added and stirred for 20 min.

Most of the solvent was removed by distillation and the solution wascooled to 22° C. To the solution was added ethyl acetate (445 mL) andthe resulting solution was filtered through Celite. Sodium bicarbonate(450 mL) was added and the solution was stirred for 15 min. The layerswere separated and the organic layer was washed with diluted brine (2×95mL), and filtered through sodium sulfate. The volume was reduced toabout 50 mL by removal of ethyl acetate. Isopropyl alcohol (150 mL) wasadded and the solution was agitated at 22° C. for 1 h. Solids wereisolated by filtration and washed with isopropyl alcohol (2×25 mL) toprovide the title intermediate (33.5 g, 100% pure by HPLC) as anoff-white/light brown solid. A second crop of product (6.3 g, >98% pureby HPLC) was isolated from the filtrate.

h. 3-endo-(8-Azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

A solution of3-endo-[8-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzonitrile(10 g, 32 mmol) in sulfuric acid (96%, 12 mL) was heated to 50° C. withstirring and held at that temperature with stirring for 2 h. Thereaction mixture was cooled to 22° C. and added slowly to a 500 mL flaskcontaining 5 N NaOH (90 mL) and methanol (100 mL) which was cooled to10° C. Salt precipitates were filtered and the filtrate was stirred at22° C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure. To the residue was added MeTHF (150 mL) and the reactionmixture was stirred at 22° C. for 5 min. The layers were separated andMeTHF (100 mL) was added to the aqueous layer. The layers were separatedand brine (150 mL) was added to the combined organic layers. The layerswere separated and the organic layer was dried over potassium carbonateand filtered, and the solvent was removed. A mixture of EtOH (25 mL) andconcentrated HCl (2.6 mL) was added to the residue with stirring andthen MTBE (25 mL) was added and the solution was stirred at 22° C.Precipitated solids were filtered and air dried to provide the HCl saltof the title compound (8 g, 97% purity by HPLC) as a white solid.

Preparation 2:3-endo-(8-Prop-2-ynyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

Propargyl bromide (80 mol % wt in toluene) (0.742 mL, 6.66 mmol) wasadded to a stirred solution of3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-benzamide (1.53 g, 6.66 mmol) andDIPEA (2.32 mL, 13.31 mmol) in ethanol (25 mL) at room temperature,under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After 24 h, the reaction mixture wasconcentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between chloroform(100 mL) and 1M NaOH (25 mL). The organic layer was separated, washedwith brine (25 mL), dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo.The residue was purified by flash chromatography (chloroform and then90% chloroform:[methanol: ammonium hydroxide 9:1]) to afford the titlecompound (1.36 g). ¹H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl₃): δ (ppm): 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.59(m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 6.45 (bs, 2H), 3.44 (m, 2H),3.11-3.18 (m, 3H), 2.40-2.47 (m, 2H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 1.92-1.96 (m, 2H),1.62-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.50 (m, 2H); (m/z); [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₇H₃₂N₆O₂269.17; found: 269.2.

Preparation 3:3-endo-[8-(2-Azidoethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

a. 3-endo-[8-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

Bromoethanol (0.222 mL, 3.13 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-benzamide (600 mg, 2.61 mmol) andDIPEA (1.36 mL, 7.83 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) at room temperature, underan atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. andafter 30 min and after 4 h an additional amount of bromoethanol (0.111mL, 1.56 mmol) was added. After an additional 12 h, the reaction mixturewas concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound which was usedwithout further purification. (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O₂ 275.18;found 275.0.

b. 3-endo-[8-(2-Chloroethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.264 mL, 3.39 mmol) was added to a stirredsuspension of the crude product of the previous step (2.61 mmol) inDIPEA (4.09 mL, 23.48 mmol) and dichloromethane (20 mL) at roomtemperature, under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After 1 h and 2.5 h anadditional amount of methanesulfonyl chloride (0.264 mL, 3.39 mmol) wasadded. After an additional 12 h, the reaction mixture was concentratedin vacuo and the residue diluted with chloroform (40 mL) and washed withaqueous NaHCO₃ (15 mL) and brine (15 mL). The organic layer was dried(MgSO4), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compoundas a crude oil which was used without further purification. (m/z):[M+H]⁺ calcd for C₁₆H₂₁ClN₂O 293.14; found 293.2.

c. 3-endo-[8-(2-Azidoethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

Sodium azide (238 mg, 3.65 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of thecrude product of the previous step (2.61 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) at roomtemperature, under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After 18 h, the reactionmixture was concentrated to about 5 mL, diluted with ethyl acetate (70mL) and washed with water (20 mL). The aqueous layer was furtherextracted with ethyl acetate (2×70 mL), basified with aqueous NaHCO₃ (10mL) and again extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL) and chloroform (50mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO4), filtered andconcentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography(chloroform and then 95% chloroform:[methanol: ammonium hydroxide 9:1])to afford the title compound (507 mg). ¹H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl₃) δ (ppm):7.63 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.19 (dd, 1H), 6.14 (bs, 2H),3.11-3.20 (m, 4H), 2.97-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.38-2.41 (m, 2H), 2.25-2.35 (m,2H) 1.80-1.84 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.43 (m, 4H); (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd forC₁₆H₂₁N₅O 300.18; found 300.2.

Preparation 4:3-endo-[8-(2-Azidopropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

a. 3-endo-[8-(2-Hydroxypropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

Bromopropanol (0.173 mL, 1.91 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-benzamide (400 mg, 1.74 mmol) andDIPEA (0.91 mL, 5.22 mmol) in ethanol (7 mL) at room temperature, underan atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. andafter 4 h a further amount of bromopropanol (0.024 mL, 0.26 mmol) wasadded. After an additional 12 h, the reaction mixture was concentratedin vacuo to afford the title compound which was used without furtherpurification.

b.3-endo-(3-Carbamoylphenyl)spiro[azetidine-1,8′-bicyclo[3.2.1]octan]-1-iummethanesulfonate

Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.253 mL, 3.26 mmol) was added to a stirredsuspension of the crude product of the previous step (1.74 mmol) inDIPEA (2.73 mL, 15.66 mmol) and DCM (20 mL) at room temperature, underan atmosphere of nitrogen. After 3 h an additional amount ofmethanesulfonyl chloride (0.135 mL, 1.74 mmol) was added. After anadditional 60 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo toafford the title compound as a crude oil which was used without furtherpurification. (m/z): [M]⁺ calcd for C₁₇H₂₃N₂O 271.18; found 271.0.

c. 3-endo-[8-(2-Azidopropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

Sodium azide (136 mg, 2.09 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of thecrude product of the previous step (1.74 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) at roomtemperature, under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After 60 h, the reactionmixture was quenched by the addition of water (10 mL), basified withaqueous NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL) andchloroform (2×20 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO4),filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flashchromatography (chloroform and then 95% chloroform:[methanol: ammoniumhydroxide 9:1]) to afford the title compound (315 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺calcd for C₁₇H₂₃N₅O 314.20; found 314.3.

Preparation 5:3-endo-{8-[3-(N-Hydroxycarbamimidoyl)-propyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of 3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-benzamide (111.3mg, 0.48 mmol) in EtOH (1.5 mL) at room temperature was added DIPEA(124.1 mg, 0.96 mmol) followed by 4-bromobutanenitrile (71.0 mg, 0.48mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 70° C. for 1 h and thencooled to ambient temperature for 60 h and then heated to 70° C. for 8 hbefore it was cooled to ambient temperature overnight. The reactionmixture was then treated with 50% aqueous hydroxylamine (95.0 mg, 1.44mmol) at room temperature overnight. Additional 50% aqueoushydroxylamine (95.0 mg, 1.44 mmol) was added and the reaction mixturewas stirred overnight, concentrated, and the residue was dissolved inwater (4.0 mL). The solution was acidified to pH˜3.0 with conc. HCl. Themixture was filtered and purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC togive the title compound as its bis TFA salt (118.9 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺calcd for C₁₈H₂₆N₄O₂ 331.20; found 331.4.

Preparation 6: Cyclohexylmethyl azide

Cyclohexylmethyl bromide (200 mg, 1.13 mmol) was added to a stirredsolution of 0.5 M sodium azide in DMSO (2.48 mL, 1.24 mmol) at roomtemperature, under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After 21 h, the reactionwas quenched by the addition of water (5 mL) and extracted with diethylether (3×4 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (5mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford thetitle compound as a crude oil (136 mg) which was used without furtherpurification.

Preparation 7: Cyclohexyl azide

Cyclohexyl bromide (2.74 mL, 0.023 mol) was added to a stirred solutionof 0.5M sodium azide in DMSO (50 mL, 0.025 mol) at room temperature,under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction mixture was heated to 75°C. behind a blast shield and stirred for 5 h. The reaction mixture wasthen cooled with an ice-bath, quenched by the addition of water (75 mL)and extracted with diethyl ether (3×125 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine (75 mL), dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentratedin vacuo to afford the title compound as a crude oil (2.4 g) which wasused without further purification.

Preparation 8: 2-Azidocyclohexanol

To a solution of 7-oxa-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane (0.300 g, 3.06 mmol) inacetone (3 mL) was added sodium azide (0.504 g, 7.75 mmol) in water (3mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 12 h. The acetone was removedin vacuo and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (5 mL). Theorganic layer was collected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,filtered, and concentrated to provide the title compound (46 mg).

Preparation 9: 4-Azidomethyl-1,1-difluorocyclohexane a.(4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)methanol

To a solution of 4,4-difluorocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester(0.50 g, 2.6 mmol) cooled to 0° C. in diethyl ether (20 mL) was addeddropwise 1.0 M lithium aluminum hydride in tetrahydrofuran (2.6 mL, 2.6mmol). The reaction was stirred for 30 min. The reaction was carefullyquenched with water (2.0 mL) followed by the addition of 1.0 N NaOH (2mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min, filtered through a padof celite and washed with diethyl ether (20 mL). The organic layer wascollected, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated to give the title compound as a crude oil (465 mg) whichwas used without further purification.

b. Toluene-4-sulfonic acid 4,4-difluorocyclohexylmethyl ester

To a solution of the crude product of the previous step (465 mg, 0.31mmol) and triethylenediamine (0.346 mg, 0.31 mmol) cooled to 0° C. indichloromethane (20 mL) was added a p-toluenesulfonylchloride (0.589 g,0.31 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirredovernight and then washed with 0.5 N HCl (20 mL). The organic layer wascollected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated. The crude product was purified by flash columnchromatography to give the title compound as a white solid (748 mg).

c. 4-Azidomethyl-1,1-difluorocyclohexane

To a solution of toluene-4-sulfonic acid 4,4-difluorocyclohexylmethylester (100 mg, 0.33 mmol)) in N,N-Dimethylformamide (0.5 mL) was addedsodium azide (32 mg, 0.49 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 90°C. for 90 min, cooled to room temperature and diluted withdichloromethane (5 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (2×5mL), collected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated to provide the title compound which was used withoutfurther purification.

Preparation 10: 3-Azidomethylpentane

a. Toluene-4-sulfonic acid 2-ethylbutyl ester

To a solution of 2-ethyl-1-butanol (1.00 g, 9.79 mmol),triethylenediamine (1.32 g, 11.7 mmol) in DCM (30 mL, 0.5 mol) cooled to0° C. was added p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.96 g, 10.3 mmol) in DCM(10 mL) The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min, and extracted with1.0N NaOH (2×40 mL). The organic layer was collected, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, and isolated by rotary evaporationto give the title compound (2.40 g).

b. 3-Azidomethylpentane

To a solution of the product of the previous step (2.40 g, 9.36 mmol) inDMF (15 mL, 0.19 mol) was added sodium azide (0.86 g, 13.2 mmol). Thereaction mixture was heated at 80° C. overnight, cooled to roomtemperature, diluted with diethyl ether (50 mL) and washed with water(3×75mL). The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate, filtered, and concentrated at room temperature under lightvacuum to give the title compound (1.0 g).

Preparation 11: 1-Benzyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde

To a solution of imidazolecarboxaldehyde (1.0 g, 10.4 mmol) in DMF (10mL) was added sodium carbonate (2.2 g, 20.8 mmol). The mixture was thentreated with a solution of benzyl bromide (1.77 g, 10.4 mmol) in DMF (5mL) dropwise and stirred for 1 h at 100° C. The reaction mixture waspartitioned between EtOAc and water, and the aqueous layer was extractedwith EtOAc. The organic layers were combined, dried with MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated to yield a dark brown oil (1.14 g). (m/z):[M+H]⁺ calcd for C₁₁H₁₀N₂O 187.21; found, 187.3. ¹H NMR (d6-DMSO, 400MHz) δ (ppm): 9.67 (s, 1H), 8.22, 8.08, 7.96, 7.90 (4 sets of singlets,total 2H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 5H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 5.25 (s, 1H).

Preparation 12: 1-Cyclohexyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde

To a solution of imidazolecarboxaldehyde (60 mg, 0.63 mmol) in DMF (0.4mL) was added sodium carbonate (132 mg, 1.26 mmol). The mixture was thentreated with a solution of cyclohexylbromide (152 mg, 0.94 mmol) in DMF(0.4 mL) dropwise and stirred at 90° C. for 72 h. The reaction mixturewas partitioned between EtOAc (2 mL) and water (2 mL), and the aqueouslayer was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were combined, driedwith Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield to yield the titlecompound which was used without further purification (66 mg). (m/z):[M+H]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₁₄N₂O 179.11; found, 179.2.

Preparation 13:3-endo-[8-(3H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

a.3-endo-[8-(3-Benzyl-3H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

To a suspension of the HCl salt of3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-benzamide (600 mg, 2.25 mmol) inDCM (15 mL) was added 3-benzyl-3H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde (502 mg, 2.70mmol) followed by sodium triacetoxyborohydride (572 mg, 2.70 mmol). Thesolution was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted withDCM and washed with saturated NaHCO₃ and brine. The organic layer wasdried with MgSO₄, filtered, concentrated, and purified by reverse phasepreparative HPLC to provide the mono-TFA salt of the title intermediate(432 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₈N₄O 401.23; found 401.6.

b.3-endo-[8-(3H-Imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

To a solution of the product of the previous step in ethanol (10 mL) wasadded palladium hydroxide (20% by weight, 86 mg). The reaction vesselwas purged three times under a balloon of hydrogen and the reactionmixture was stirred overnight. The palladium residue was filtered usinga Millipore filter and rinsed with EtOH. The organic layer wasconcentrated to yield a white solid (320 mg). (m/z): [M+H]+ calcd forC₁₈H₂₂N₄O 311.18; found 311.4.

Preparation 14:3-endo-[8-((S)-3-Azido-3-phenylpropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

a. Toluene-4-sulfonic acid (S)-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropyl ester

To a solution of (S)-1-phenyl-propane-1,3-diol (0.5 g, 3.3 mmol) andtriethylenediamine (368 mg, 3.3 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) cooled to 0° C. wasadded dropwise p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.96 g, 0.0103 mol) in DCM(20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h and then filteredthrough a pad of silica. The silica was washed with DCM and the filtratewas concentrated to give the title compound as a crude oil (0.485 mg).

b.3-endo-[8-((S)-3-Azido-3-phenylpropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

To a solution of the product of the previous step (485 mg, 1.57 mmol)and sodium bicarbonate (198 mg, 2.4 mmol) in dimethyl sulfoxide (10 mL)was added 3-endo-(8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide (362 mg, 1.6mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 5 h, cooled toroom temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed withwater (3×50 mL). The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated.

To a solution of the resulting solid and1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (470 μL, 3.1 mmol) in DCM (50 mL)cooled to 0° C. was added diphenylphosphonic azide (680 μL, 3.1 mmol).The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days at room temperature. Thereaction mixture was washed with water (2×50 mL) and filtered through apad of celite. The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated. The crude product waspurified by preparative HPLC and extracted with dichloromethane and 1.0N NaOH to give the title compound (165 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd forC₂₃H₂₇N₅O, 390.22; found 390.3.

Example 13-endo-[8-(1-Cyclohexyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

Cyclohexyl azide (466 mg, 3.73 mmol) was added to a stirred suspensionof 3-endo-(8-prop-2-ynyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide intert-butanol/water (1:1, 25 mL). A solution of 1M sodium ascorbate inwater (0.373 mL, 0.373 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture followedby copper sulfate pentahydrate (9 mg, 0.037 mmol) and the reactionvigorously stirred behind a blast shield for 15 h. The reaction mixturewas concentrated in vacuo and the residue diluted with AcOH/water (1:1),filtered and purified by preparative HPLC to afford the title compound.¹H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.76 (m,1H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 4.55 (m, 1H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 4.13 (s, 2H), 2.74-2.78(m, 2H), 2.50-2.56 (m, 2H), 2.18-2.27 (m, 48H), 1.48-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.35(m, 1H); (m/z): [M+H]+ calcd for C₂₃H₃₁N₅O [394.26; found 394.5.

Example 23-endo-{8-[1-((2R,3R)-2-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of3-endo-(8-prop-2-ynyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide (80 mg, 0.30mmol) and 2-azidocyclohexanol (46 mg, 0.33 mmol) in water (0.5 mL) andtert-butanol (0.5 mL) was added (+)-sodium L-ascorbate (32 mg, 0.016mmol) and a few grains of copper(II)sulfate pentahydrate. The reactionmixture was stirred for 12 h, concentrated, and purified by preparativeHPLC to give the title compound as the TFA salt (55.7 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺calcd for C₂₃H₃₁N₅O₂, 410.25; found 410.2.

Examples 3 and 43-endo-{8-[1-(4-Fluorocyclohex-3-enyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX3) and3-endo-{8-[1-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide (EX4)

a. Toluene-4-sulfonic acid 1,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl ester

To a solution of 1,4-dioxa-spiro[4.5]decan-8-ol (1.0 mg, 6.3 mmol) andtriethylenediamine (0.780 mg, 7.0 mmol) cooled to 0° C. in DCM (20 mL)was added p-toluenesulfonylchloride (1.31 g, 7.0 mmol) in DCM (5 mL).The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and then washed with 0.5 NHCl (20 mL). The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to give the title compound(2.0 g) which was used without further purification.

b.3-endo-{8-[1-(1,4-Dioxa-spiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of the crude product of the previous step in DMF (15 mL)was added sodium azide (0.617 mg, 9.5 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred at 80° C. for 5 h, cooled to room temperature and diluted withethyl acetate (50 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (2×50mL). The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate, filtered, and concentrated at room temperature. To theresulting crude oil and3-endo-(8-prop-2-ynyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide (1.8 g, 6.7mmol) in water (10 mL) and tert-butanol (10 mL) was added (+)-sodiumL-ascorbate (696 mg, 3.51 mmol) and copper(II)sulfate pentahydrate (100mg, 0.40 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 12 h, diluted withethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with water (50 mL). The organic layerwas collected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated to give the title compound (2.2 g) which was used withoutfurther purification. (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₃₃N₅O₃, 452.26; found452.2.

c.3-endo-{8-[1-(4-Oxocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

A solution of the crude product of the previous step (2.2 g, 4.9 mmol)in a mixture of acetic acid (5 mL), water (10 mL), and trifluoroaceticacid (400 μL) was stirred at 90° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixture wascooled to room temperature and purified by preparative HPLC. Theresulting TFA salt was suspended in DCM (50 mL) and washed with amixture of brine (45 mL) and 6.0N NaOH (5 mL). The organic layer wascollected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered, andconcentrated to give the title compound (1.4 g). (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd forC₂₃H₂₉N₅O₂, 408.23; found 408.4.

d.3-endo-{8-[1-(4-Fluorocyclohex-3-enyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX3) and3-endo-{8-[1-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX4)

To a solution of3-endo-{8-[1-(4-oxocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(280 mg, 0.687 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride (100 μL, 76 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 hat room temperature, diluted with DCM (10 mL) and carefully quenchedwith water (5 mL). The reaction was basified to pH 14 with 6.0 N NaOH.The organic layer was collected, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,filtered, and concentrated. The crude product was purified bypreparative HPLC to give the title compounds as the TFA salt: EX3 (90.6mg) (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₂₈FN₅O, 410.23; found 410.4 EX4 (35 mg)(m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₂₉F₂N₅O, 430.23; found 430.4.

Example 53-endo-{8-[1-(4-Fluorocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of3-endo-{8-[1-(4-fluorocyclohex-3-enyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl-benzamideTFA salt (80 mg, 0.152 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added palladium (10%wt on activated carbon, 16 mg). The reaction mixture was stirredovernight under an atmosphere of hydrogen. The catalyst was removed byfiltration, the filtrate was concentrated, and purified by preparativeHPLC to give the two stereoisomers at the cyclohexyl ring of the titlecompound as their TFA salts. (21.0 mg and 12.5 mg) (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcdfor C₂₃H₃₀FN₅O, 412.24; found 412.4.

Example 63-endo-{8-[1-(4-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of3-endo-{8-[1-(4-oxocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(100 mg, 0.25 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) and methanol (1 mL) wasadded sodium borohydride (10 mg, 0.26 mmol). The reaction mixture wasstirred for 1 h at room temperature, concentrated and purified bypreparative HPLC to give the two stereoisomers at the cyclohexyl ring ofthe title compound as their TFA salts. (91.4 mg and 20.7 mg) (m/z):[M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₃₁N₅O₂, 410.25; found 410.2.

Example 73-endo-(8-{1-[(Benzylmethyl-carbamoyl)methyl]-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

a.4-[3-endo-(3-Carbamoyl-phenyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-ylmethyl]-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl}-aceticacid

Lithium hydroxide (34 mg, 0.82 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of4-[3-endo-(3-carbamoyl-phenyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-ylmethyl]-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl}-aceticacid ethyl ester (270 mg, 0.68 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) at roomtemperature. After 30 min, the reaction mixture was concentrated invacuo. The residue was diluted with 1M HCl (5 mL) and the solutionconcentrated in vacuo (×2) to afford the title compound which was usedwithout further purification. (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₁₉H₂₃N₅O₃ 370.19;found 370.2.

b.3-endo-(8-{1-[(Benzylmethyl-carbamoyl)methyl]-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

N-Benzylmethylamine (0.019 mL, 0.15 mmol) and HATU (57 mg, 0.15 mmol)were added to a stirred solution of the product of the previous step (28mg, 0.076 mmol) and DIPEA (0.039 mL, 0.23 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) at roomtemperature. After 2 h 30 min, the reaction mixture was concentrated invacuo, diluted with AcOH / water (1:1, 1 mL), filtered and purified bypreparative HPLC to afford the title compound. (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd forC₂₇H₃₂N₆O₂ 473.27; found 473.4.

Example 83-endo-{8-[2-(4-Propyl-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-ethyl]-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

1-Pentyne (0.01 mL, 0.10 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of3-endo-[8-(2-azidoethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide (30 mg,0.10 mmol) in tert-butanol/water (1:1, 1.5 mL). A solution of 1 M sodiumascorbate in water (0.01 mL, 0.01 mmol) was added to the reactionmixture followed by copper sulfate pentahydrate (1 mg) and the reactionmixture was stirred vigorously. After 14 h, additional 1-pentyne (0.02mL, 0.20 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred for 4 h. Thereaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue diluted withAcOH/water (1:1), filtered and purified by preparative HPLC to affordthe title compound (5.1 mg) (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₁H₂₉N₅O 368.25;found 368.2.

Example 93-endo-(8-{3-[4-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl]-propyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide

A solution of3-endo-[8-(2-azidopropyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide (37 mg,0.12 mmol) in tert-butanol/water (1:1, 1 mL) was added to I-ethynyl-2,4-difluorobenzene (17 mg, 0.12 mmol). A solution of 1M sodiumascorbate in water (0.012 mL, 0.012 mmol) was added to the reactionmixture followed by copper sulfate pentahydrate (1 mg) and the reactionstirred vigorously. After 14 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated invacuo and the residue diluted with AcOH/water (1:1), filtered andpurified by preparative HPLC to afford the title compound (9.4 mg).(m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₇F₂N₅O 452.52; found 452.2.

Example 103-endo-[8-(1-Benzyl-1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide

To a suspension of the mono-HCl salt form of3-endo-(8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide hydrochloride (50 mg,0.22 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 mL) was added1-benzyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde (61 mg, 0.33 mmol) followed bysodium triacetoxyborohydride (70 mg, 0.33 mmol). The reaction mixturewas stirred overnight, diluted with DCM and washed with saturated NaHCO₃and brine. The organic layer was dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered,concentrated, and purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC to providethe mono-TFA salt of the title compound (43.2 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcdfor C₂₅H₂₈N₄O 401.23; found 401.2.

Example 113-endo-[8-(3-Benzyl-1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide

Following a procedure similar to that of Example 10, using the reagent3-benzyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde, the title compound was prepared.(m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₈N₄O 401.23; found 401.2.

Examples 12 and 133-endo-{8-[3-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexylmethyl)-3H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX 12) and3-endo-{8-[1-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX13)

a. (4,4-Difluorocyclohexyl) methanol

To a solution of 4,4-difluorocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (150mg, 0.78 mmol) in diethylether (5 mL) at 0° C. was added a 2 M solutionof lithium aluminum hydride in THF (0.39 mL, 0.78 mmol) dropwise. Thereaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for one h. The reaction wasquenched with water (1 mL )and 1N NaOH (2 mL) was added, forming a whiteslurry. The aqueous layer with extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL) and theorganic layers combined, washed with brine, dried with Na₂SO₄, filtered,and concentrated to yield a clear oil. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) δ (ppm):3.38 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.05-1.97 (m, 2H), 1.83-1.64 (m, 4H), 1.58-1.50(m, 1H), 1.29-1.19 (m, 2H).

b. Methanesulfonic acid 4,4-difluorocyclohexylmethyl ester

To a solution of the product of the previous step (117 mg, 0.78 mmoL) inDCM (4 mL) at 0° C. was added DIPEA (101 mg, 0.78 mmol). To the reactionmixture was added a solution of methanesulfonyl chloride (89 mg, 0.78mmol) in DCM (0.5 mL). After 2 h the reaction was diluted with DCM,washed with saturated NaHCO₃, 1N HCl, and brine. The organic layer wasdried with Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield a white solid (95mg). ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) δ (ppm): 4.08 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (s,3H), 2.05-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.87-1.73 (m, 4H), 1.56-1.49 (m, 1H), 1.39-1.21(m, 2H).

c.3-endo-{8-[3-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexylmethyl)-3H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX 12) and3-endo-{8-[1-(4,4-Difluorocyclohexylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide(EX13)

To a vial was added3-endo-[8-(3H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-benzamide(50.0 mg, 0.161 mmol) and sodium carbonate (34.1 mg, 0.322 mmol) in DMF(0.8 mL, 10 mmol). Methanesulfonic acid 4,4-difluorocyclohexylmethylester (73.5 mg, 0.322 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture wasstirred at 100° C. for about 72 h and then concentrated. The twoproducts were separated and purified by reverse phase preparative HPLCto provide the mono-TFA salts of the title compounds EX12 (7.6 mg) andEX13 (6.7 mg). (m/z): [M+H]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₃₂F₂N₄O 443.25; found 443.2.

Example 143-endo-{8-[3-(5-Isobutyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-propyl]-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide

To a solution of3-endo-{8-[3-(N-hydroxycarbamimidoyl)propyl]-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamidebis TFA salt (40.0 mg, 0.07 mmol) in DMA (0.4 mL) at room temperaturewas added DIPEA (36.2 mg, 0.28 mmol) followed by isovaleryl chloride(10.08 mg, 0.084 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 92° C. for 4h and then concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 50% AcOH/H₂O (1.5mL), filtered, and purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC to givethe title compound as its bis TFA salt. (3.1 mg) (m/z): [M+H]+ calcd forC₂₃H₃₂N₄O₂ 397.25; found 397.4.

Examples 15-72

Using processes similar to those of Examples 1-15, the compounds ofTables 1 to 6 were prepared.

TABLE 1

Obs. Ex Calc. [M + No R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ H]⁺ 15 adamantan-1-ylC₂₇H₃₅N₅O 446.28 446.4 16 benzyl C₂₄H₂₇N₅O 402.22 402.5 17 —CH₂C(O)OC₂H₅C₂₁H₂₇N₅O₃ 398.21 398.3 18 —CH₂C(O)NHCH₂- C₂₆H₃₆N₆O₂ 465.29 465.4c-hexyl 19 —CH₂C(O)N(CH₃)—(CH₂)₂OH C₂₂H₃₀N₆O₃ 427.24 427.2 20—CH₂C(O)N(C₂H₅)- C₂₇H₃₃N₇O₂ 488.27 488.4 pyridinyl 21 —CH₂C(O)-C₂₄H₃₂N₆O₂ 437.26 437.4 piperidin-1-yl 22 —CH₂C(O)NH- C₂₆H₃₀N₆O₂ 459.24459.4 benzyl 23 —CH₂C(O)-(4-phenyl- C₂₉H₃₅N₇O₂ 514.29 514.4piperazin-1-yl) 24 —CH₂-c-hexyl C₂₄H₃₃N₅O 408.27 408.2 25—CH₂-(4,4-difluoro- C₂₄H₃₁F₂N₅O 444.25 444.2 c-hexyl 26 —CH₂(C₂H₅)₂C₂₂H₃₁N₅O 382.25 382.4 27 —CH₂CH(C₂H₅)₂ C₂₃H₃₃N₅O 396.27 396.4

TABLE 2

Ex Calc. Obs. No. R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ [M + H]⁺ 28 phenyl C₂₄H₂₇N₅O402.22 402.2 29 —(CH₂)₂-phenyl C₂₆H₃₁N₅O 430.25 430.2 30 —CH₂N(CH₃)-C₂₇H₃₄N₆O 459.28 459.4 benzyl 31 2,4-difluorophenyl C₂₄H₂₅F₂N₅O 438.20438.2 32 4-hydroxymethyl- C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₂ 432.23 432.2 phenyl 334-t-butylphenyl C₂₈H₃₅N₅O 458.28 458.4 34 3-hydroxyphenyl C₂₄H₂₇N₅O₂418.22 418.2 35 c-pentyl C₂₃H₃₁N₅O 394.25 394.4 36 4-aminophenylC₂₄H₂₈N₆O 417.23 417.2 37 —CH₂-c-pentyl C₂₄H₃₃N₅O 408.27 408.4 38t-butyl C₂₂H₃₁N₅O 382.25 382.2 39 —CH₂O-phenyl C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₂ 432.23 432.240 benzyl C₂₅H₂₉N₅O 416.24 416.2 41 1-amino-c-hexyl C₂₄H₃₄N₆O 423.28423.4 42 —CH(OH)-phenyl C₂₅H₂₉N₅O₂ 432.23 432.2 43 —CH₂-c-hexylC₂₅H₃₅N₅O 422.28 422.4

TABLE 3

Ex. Calc. Obs. No. R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ [M + H]⁺ 44 —C(O)OH C₂₆H₂₉N₅O₃460.23 45 —CH₂OH C₂₆H₃₁N₅O₂ 446.25 46 —CH₂N(C₂H₅)₂ C₃₀H₄₀N₆O 501.33501.4 47 —C(O)NH₂ C₂₆H₃₀N₆O₂ 459.24 459.4 48 —CH₂OH C₂₆H₃₁N₅O₂ 446.25446.2 49 —C(O)OH C₂₆H₂₉N₅O₃ 460.23 460.2 * Denotes chiral center.Examples 44 and 49 and 45 and 48 have opposite stereochemistry at thiscenter.

TABLE 4

Ex. Calc. Obs. No. R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ [M + H]⁺ 50 4-t-butylphenylC₂₉H₃₇N₅O 472.30 472.4 51 4-aminophenyl C₂₅H₃₀N₆O 431.25 431.2 52—CH₂O-phenyl C₂₆H₃₁N₅O₂ 446.25 446.2 53 benzyl C₂₆H₃₁N₅O 430.25 430.2 541-amino-c-hexyl C₂₅H₃₆N₆O 437.30 437.4 55 —CH₂-c-hexyl C₂₆H₃₇N₅O 436.30436.4

TABLE 5

Ex. Calc. Obs. No. R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ [M + H]⁺ 56 c-hexyl C₂₄H₃₂N₄O393.26 393.2 57 —CH₂-c-hexyl C₂₅H₃₄N₄O 407.27 407.2 58 —(CH₂)₂-c-hexylC₂₆H₃₆N₄O 421.29 421.4 59 —CH₂-naphthyl C₂₉H₃₀N₄O 451.24 451.2 60—CH₂-(4-cyano- C₂₆H₂₇N₅O 426.22 426.2 phenyl) 61 —CH₂-(2,6- C₂₅H₂₆F₂N₄O437.21 437.2 difluorophenyl) 62 —CH₂-c-propyl C₂₂H₂₈N₄O 365.23 365.2 63—CH₂CH(C₂H₅)₂ C₂₄H₃₄N₄O 395.27 395.2 64 —(CH₂)₂CH₃ C₂₁H₂₈N₄O 353.23353.2 65 —(CH₂)₄CH₃ C₂₃H₃₂N₄O 381.26 381.2 66 —(CH₂)₂CN C₂₁H₂₅N₅O 364.21364.2 67 —CH₂CH═CH₂ C₂₁H₂₆N₄O 351.21 351.2

TABLE 6

Ex. Calc. Obs. No. R¹ Formula [M + H]⁺ [M + H]⁺ 68 —CH₂OC(O)CH₃C₂₂H₂₈N₄O₄ 413.21 413.2 69 benzyl C₂₆H₃₀N₄O₂ 431.24 431.2 70 —CH(C₂H₅)₂C₂₄H₃₄N₄O₂ 411.27 411.4 71 c-pentyl C₂₄H₃₂N₄O₂ 409.25 409.4 72 c-hexylC₂₅H₃₄N₄O₂ 423.27 423.4

Assay 1: Radioligand Binding Assay on Human Mu, Human Delta and GuineaPig Kappa Opioid Receptors

a. Membrane Preparation

CHO-K1 (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells stably transfected with human muopioid or with guinea pig kappa receptor cDNA were grown in mediumconsisting of Ham's-F12 media supplemented with 10% FBS, 100 units/mlpenicillin-100 μg/mL streptomycin and 800 μg/mL Geneticin in a 5% CO₂,humidified incubator @37° C. Receptor expression levels (B_(max) ˜2.0and ˜0.414 pmol/mg protein, respectively) were determined using[³H]-Diprenorphine (specific activity ˜50-55 Ci/mmol) in a membraneradioligand binding assay.

Cells were grown to 80-95% confluency (<25 subculture passages). Forcell line passaging, the cell monolayer was incubated for 5 minutes atroom temperature and harvested by mechanical agitation in 10 mL of PBSsupplemented with 5 mM EDTA. Following resuspension, cells weretransferred to 40 mL fresh growth media for centrifugation for 5 minutesat 1000 rpm and resuspended in fresh growth medium at the appropriatesplit ratio.

For membrane preparation, cells were harvested by gentle mechanicalagitation with 5 mM EDTA in PBS followed by centrifugation (2500 g for 5minutes). The pellets were resuspended in Assay Buffer (50 mM4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acidN-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N-(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (HEPES)), pH 7.4,and homogenized with a polytron disrupter on ice. The resultanthomogenates were centrifuged (1200 g for 5 minutes), the pelletsdiscarded and the supernatant centrifuged (40,000 g for 20 minutes). Thepellets were washed once by resuspension in Assay Buffer, followed by anadditional centrifugation (40,000 g for 20 minutes). The final pelletswere resuspended in Assay Buffer (equivalent 1 T-225 flask/1 mL assaybuffer). Protein concentration was determined using a Bio-Rad BradfordProtein Assay kit and membranes were stored in frozen aliquots at −80°C., until required.

Human delta opioid receptor (hDOP) membranes were purchased from PerkinElmer. The reported K_(d) and B_(max) for these membranes determined bysaturation analyses in a [³H]-Natrindole radioligand binding assays were0.14 nM (pK_(d)=9.85) and 2.2 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Proteinconcentration was determined using a Bio-Rad Bradford Protein Assay kit.Membranes were stored in frozen aliquots at −80° C., until required.

b. Radioligand Binding Assays

Radioligand binding assays were performed in an Axygen 1.1 mL deep well96-well polypropylene assay plate in a total assay volume of 200 μLcontaining the appropriate amount of membrane protein (˜3, ˜2 and ˜20 μgfor mu, delta and kappa, respectively) in Assay Buffer, supplementedwith 0.025% bovine serum albumin (BSA). Saturation binding studies fordetermination of K_(d) values of the radioligand were performed using[³H]-Diprenorphine at 8-12 different concentrations ranging from 0.001nM-5 nM. Displacement assays for determination of pKi values ofcompounds were performed with [³H]-Diprenorphine at 0.5, 1.2, and 0.7 nMfor mu, delta, and kappa, respectively, and eleven concentrations ofcompound ranging from 10 pM-100 μM.

Binding data were analyzed by nonlinear regression analysis with theGraphPad Prism Software package (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego,Calif.) using the 3-parameter model for one-site competition. The curveminimum was fixed to the value for nonspecific binding, as determined inthe presence of 10 μM naloxone. K_(i) values for test compounds werecalculated, in Prism, from the best fit IC₅₀ values, and the K_(d) valueof the radioligand, using the Cheng-Prusoff equation(K_(i)=IC₅₀/(1+([L]/K_(d))) where [L]=the concentration of[³H]-Diprenorphine. Results are expressed as the negative decadiclogarithm of the K_(i) values, pK_(i).

Test compounds having a higher pK_(i) value in these assays have ahigher binding affinity for the mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptor. Thecompounds of Examples 1-72 were tested in these assays. All of thecompounds had a pK_(i) value between about 7.0 and about 10.6 at thehuman mu opioid receptor. For example, the compounds of Examples 1, 4,8, 9, 11, and 14 had pK_(i) values of 10.3, 10.0, 10.1, 10.3, 9.2, and8.8, respectively. Compounds of the invention also exhibited pK_(i)values between about 5.7 and about 10.1 at the human delta and guineapig kappa opioid receptors.

Assay 2: Agonist mediated activation of the mu-opioid receptor inmembranes prepared from CHO-K1 cells expressing the human mu-opioidreceptor

In this assay, the potency and intrinsic activity values of testcompounds were determined by measuring the amount of bound GTP-Eupresent following receptor activation in membranes prepared from CHO-K1cells expressing the human mu opioid receptor.

a. Mu Opioid Receptor Membrane Preparation:

Human mu opioid receptor (hMOP) membranes were either prepared asdescribed above or were purchased from Perkin Elmer. The reported pK_(d)and B_(max) for the purchased membranes determined by saturationanalyses in a [³H]-Diprenorphine radioligand binding assays was 10.06and 2.4 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Protein concentration wasdetermined using a Bio-Rad Bradford Protein Assay kit. Membranes werestored in frozen aliquots at −80° C., until required. Lyophilized GTP-Euand GDP were diluted to 10 μM and 2 mM, respectively, in doubledistilled H₂O then mixed and permitted to sit at room temperature for 30minutes prior to transfer to individual aliquots samples for storage at−20° C.

b. Human mu GTP-Eu Nucleotide Exchange Assay

GTP-Eu nucleotide exchange assays were performed using the DELPHIAGTP-binding kit (Perkin/Elmer) in AcroWell 96 well filter platesaccording to the manufacturer's specifications. Membranes were preparedas described above, and prior to the start of the assay, aliquots werediluted to a concentration of 200 μg/mL in Assay Buffer (50 mM HEPES, pH7.4 at 25° C.), then homogenized for 10 seconds using a Polytronhomogenizer. Test compounds were received as 10 mM stock solutions inDMSO, diluted to 400 μM into Assay Buffer containing 0.1% BSA, andserial (1:5) dilutions then made to generate ten concentrations ofcompound ranging from 40 pM⁻ 80 μM-GDP and GTP-Eu were diluted to 4 μMand 40 nM, respectively, in Assay Buffer. The assay was performed in atotal volume of 100 μL containing 5 μg of membrane protein, testcompound ranging from 10 pM-20 μM), 1 μM GDP, and 10 nM GTP-Eu dilutedin 10 mM MgCl₂, 50 mM NaCl, and 0.0125% BSA, (final assayconcentrations). A DAMGO (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-(methyl)Phe-Gly-ol)concentration-response curve (ranging from 12.8 pM-1 μM) was included onevery plate.

Assay plates were prepared immediately prior to assay following theaddition of 25 μL of Assay Buffer, 25 μL of test compound, and 25 μL GDPand GTP-Eu. The assay was initiated by the addition of 25 μL membraneprotein and allowed to incubate for 30 minutes. The assay plates werethen filtered with a Waters vacuum manifold connected to the housevacuum regulated to 10-12 in. Hg and washed with room temperature GTPWash Solution (2×300 mL). The bottoms of the plates were blotted toremove excess liquid. The plates were then immediately read to determinethe amount of bound GTP-Eu by measuring Time Resolved Fluorescence (TRF)on a Packard Fusion Plate ReaderVehicle: DMSO not to exceed 1% finalassay concentration.

The amount of bound GTP-Eu is proportional to the degree of activationof the mu opioid receptors by the test compound. The intrinsic activity(IA), expressed as a percentage, was determined as the ratio of theamount of bound GTP-Eu observed for activation by the test compound tothe amount observed for activation by DAMGO which is presumed to be afull agonist (IA=100). With the exception of Examples 44 and 49, thecompounds of Examples 1 to 72 demonstrated intrinsic activities in thisassay of less than about 20, typically less than about 10. For example,the compounds of Examples 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 14 had IA values of −4, 0,−4, −1, 6, and −11, respectively. Thus, the compounds of the presentinvention have been shown to act as antagonists at the human mu opioidreceptor.

Assay 3: Rat Model of In Vivo Efficacy

In this assay the efficacy of test compounds was evaluated in a model ofgastrointestinal transit, which evaluates peripheral activity. Thisstudy was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee atTheravance, Inc. and conformed to the Guide for the Care and Use ofLaboratory Animals published by the National Academy of Sciences(©1996).

a. Rat Gastric Emptying Assay

Test compounds were evaluated in the rat gastric emptying assay todetermine their ability to reverse loperamide-induced delayed gastricemptying. Rats were fasted up overnight prior to administration of testcompounds or vehicle by intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular or oralroutes of administration at doses ranging from 0.001 to about 30milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg). The administration of test compound wasfollowed by subcutaneous administration of loperamide at a dose of 1mg/kg or vehicle. Five minutes post loperamide or vehicleadministration, a non-nutritive, non-absorbable charcoal meal wasadministered via oral gavage and animals were allowed free access towater for the sixty minute duration of the experiment. Animals were theneuthanized via carbon dioxide asphyxiation followed by thoracotomy andthe stomach was carefully excised. The stomach was ligated at the loweresophageal sphincter and the pyloric sphincter to prevent additionalemptying during tissue removal. Gastric weight was then determined afterremoval of the ligatures.

b. Data Analysis and Results

Data was analyzed using the GraphPad Prism Software package (GraphPadSoftware, Inc., San Diego, Calif.). Percent reversal curves wereconstructed by non-linear regression analysis using the sigmoidal doseresponse (variable slope) model and best-fit ID₅₀ values werecalculated. Curve minima and maxima were fixed to loperamide controlvalues (indicating 0% reversal) and vehicle controls (indicating 100%reversal), respectively. Results are expressed as ID₅₀, the doserequired for 50% reversal of the effects of loperamide, in milligramsper kilogram. The compounds of Examples 1 and 4, administered orally,exhibited ID₅₀ values of 0.13 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively in thegastric emptying model.

While the present invention has been described with reference to thespecific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation, material, composition of matter, process, processstep or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the presentinvention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope ofthe claims appended hereto. Additionally, all publications, patents, andpatent documents cited hereinabove are incorporated by reference hereinin full, as though individually incorporated by reference.

1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: A is a five-membered heteroarylene ring containing one, two,three, or four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur,wherein not more than one of the heteroatoms is oxygen or sulfur; R¹ isselected from —C(O)OR^(a), —C(O)NR^(b)R^(c), C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl,C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substitutedwith one or two R³, C₃₋₁₂cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with oneor two halo or with —OR^(a) or —NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a), NR^(b)R^(c), orC₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl is optionally substituted with —OR^(a); R²is hydrogen or phenyl; R³ is selected from —C(O)OR^(a),—C(O)NR^(d)R^(e), —OR^(f), —NR^(b)R^(g), —CN, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, phenyl,and naphthyl, wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with oneor two halo or with —OR^(a), and phenyl is optionally substituted withone or two halo or with —CN; R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), and R^(d) are eachindependently hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl; R^(e) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl,optionally substituted with C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, —OR^(a), phenyl, pyridyl, or4-phenylpiperazinyl; or R^(d) and R^(e) taken together with the nitrogenatom to which they are attached form piperidinyl; R^(f) is hydrogen,C₁₋₃alkyl, or phenyl; R^(g) is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, optionallysubstituted with phenyl; and m is 0, 1, or 2; provided that when m is 0,R² is H; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compoundof claim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, andphenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted with one or two R³,C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo or with—OR^(a) or —NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionally substituted with oneor two halo or with —OR^(a), —NR^(b)R^(c), or C₁₋₄alkyl, whereinC₁₋₄alkyl is optionally substituted with —OR^(a).
 3. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substituted with one R³, andcyclohexyl and phenyl are each optionally substituted with one or twofluoro.
 4. The compound of claim 3 wherein R³ is selected from —OR^(f),C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a), and phenyl isoptionally substituted with one or two halo.
 5. The compound of claim 4wherein R³ is selected from cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and phenyl, whereincyclohexyl and phenyl are each optionally substituted with one or twofluoro.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is selected fromtriazolenyl, imidazolenyl, oxadiazolenyl, tetrazolenyl, pyrrolenyl,furanenyl, and thiofuranenyl.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein A isselected from triazolenyl, imidazolenyl, and oxadiazolenyl.
 8. Thecompound of claim 7 wherein: R¹ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl,C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, and phenyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is optionally substitutedwith one or two R³, C₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one ortwo halo or with —OR^(a) or —NR^(b)R^(c), and phenyl is optionallysubstituted with one or two halo or with —OR^(a), NR^(b)R^(c), orC₁₋₄alkyl, wherein C₁₋₄alkyl is optionally substituted with —OR^(a); R³is selected from —OR^(f), C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, and phenyl, whereinC₃₋₆cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo or with—OR^(a), and phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two halo; andR^(f) is hydrogen.
 9. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹-A- is selectedfrom a moiety of formula (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e):


10. The compound of claim 9 wherein the compound is a compound offormula (Ia):


11. The compound of claim 9 wherein the compound is a compound offormula (Ib):


12. The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from:3-endo-[8-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]benzamide;3-endo-{8-[1-(4,4-difluorocyclohexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide;3-endo-(8-{3-[4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl]-propyl}-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide;3-endo-{8-[1-(2-ethylbutyl)-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl]-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl}benzamide;and3-endo-(8-{2-[4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-[1,2,3]triazol-1-yl]ethyl}-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide;and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof.
 13. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising the compound of claim 1 and apharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.
 14. A process for preparing acompound of formula (I),

wherein R¹, R², A, and m are defined as in claim 1, or apharmaceutically-acceptable salt or protected derivative thereof, theprocess comprising: (a) reacting a compound of formula (III):

with a compound of formula (IV):

or (b) wherein A is bonded to R¹ via a nitrogen atom on A, (i) reactinga compound of formula (III) with a compound of formula (V)

wherein A′ is A or a protected form of A, and, optionally deprotectingthe product of the reaction, to provide a compound of formula (VI):

and (ii) reacting a compound of formula (VI) with a compound of theformula R¹—X, wherein X is a leaving group, to provide a compound offormula (I) or a salt or protected derivative thereof.
 15. A process forpreparing a compound of formula (Ia):

or a salt or protected derivative thereof, wherein R¹, R² and m aredefined as in claim 1, the process comprising reacting a compound offormula (VII):

with a compound of the formula R¹—N₃ to provide a compound of formula(Ia) or a salt or protected derivative thereof.
 16. The process of claim15 wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of a coppercatalyst.
 17. A process for preparing a compound of formula (Ib):

or a salt or protected derivative thereof, wherein R¹ and R² are definedas in claim 1 and m is 1 or 2, the process comprising reacting acompound of formula (VIII):

with a compound of the formula R¹C≡CH to provide a compound of formula(Ib) or a salt or protected derivative thereof.
 18. The process of claim17 wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of a coppercatalyst.
 19. A compound of formula (VII):

wherein R² is hydrogen or phenyl and m is 0, 1, or 2; or a compound offormula (VIII):

wherein R² is hydrogen or phenyl and m is 1 or
 2. 20. A method oftreating a mammal having a medical condition ameliorated by treatmentwith a mu opioid receptor antagonist, the method comprisingadministering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of apharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptablecarrier and a compound of claim
 1. 21. The method of claim 20 whereinthe medical condition is selected from opioid-induced bowel dysfunctionand post-operative ileus.
 22. A method of studying a biological systemor sample comprising a mu opioid receptor, the method comprising: (a)contacting the biological system or sample with a compound of claim 1;and (b) determining the effect caused by the compound on the biologicalsystem or sample.